Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 14, 2014)

Ever since it was reported that Farhan Akhtar had opted out of Rahul Dholakia’s Raees, speculations have been rife about who would replace the actor. Mirror has learnt that it will probably be Nawazuddin Siddiqui who is in advanced talks with the production company, Excel Entertainment. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role as a local don.

 According to a source close to the development, Nawaz would be an apt choice to play the cop as it is a performance-oriented role.

 “That’s the reason Farhan was drawn to it as soon as he heard the script. But with Shah Rukh's injuries the shoot of Raees got pushed forward. Zoya’s (Akhtar) Dil Dhadakne Do also got delayed and eventually Farhan’s dates for Raees were clashing with those that he had allotted to Bijoy Nambiar’s film for Vinod Chopra. Farhan eventually realised that he would have to let this film go as he didn’t want to delay the project any further. If all goes well, Raees should now roll post monsoon,” the source elaborated.

 The film is set in Gujarat and Shah Rukh apparently plays an Indianised mafia head in the film. A team of Hollywood make-up artistes are being flown down to do the look tests with him. They will be experimenting with different hair styles, beards, eyebrows and scars (Mirror, January 21).

 The source added, “It is a meaty role and Nawaz will be sharing quality screen time with Shah Rukh.”

 Excel Entertainment remained unavailable for comment.