Saif Ali Khan has teamed up with director Kabir Khan for the first time in Phantom. Though the two never worked with each other before, their respective films on similar topics, which coincidentally released around the same time, pretty much made them seem like competitors. For instance, Kabir's New York and Saif starrer Kurbaan, released in 2009, both delved on how the 9/11 terror attacks in the US changed the lives of migrants, while Agent Vinod (2012) and Ek Tha Tiger (2012) were both spy thrillers about spies from rival countries (India and a Pakistan) falling in love. Speaking about this unique relationship, Kabir stated, “Yes, for some strange reason, we were pitted against each other as our films were similar. We talked about it. I always wanted to work with him. Saif is an exciting actor. He is a perfect blend of 'star and actor'. I wanted someone for Phantom, whose actor persona doesn't overshadow the character. Saif was perfect for the role.“