Vivek Oberoi Replaces Sudeep In RGV’s Biopic On Muthappa Rai

Ram Gopal Varma has been longing to make a biographical film on don Muthappa Rai in which he wanted Sudeep to play the lead role. Now it seems that there is a change in plan. After completing the scripting of the film, RGV thought Vivek Oberoi would fit best in the role and, hence, he replaced Sudeep with Vivek. “After finishing the whole script and working on the characterization, I strongly felt that only Vivek has the required attitude and intensity to do justice to the role of Rai”, said RGV.

On being asked why he chose to make a film on Muthappa Rai, the filmmaker said, “I have an encyclopaedic knowledge about all the biggest gangsters in the entire world, whether it's Pablo Escobar, Dawood Ibrahim, Al Capone, etc., But all their stories are nothing in front of the sheer drama and dynamism of Rai — that's why the film has the tagline 'The Greatest Gangster Ever”.

RGV said that Muthappa Rai might not be popular outside Karnataka but he has a story that would make a great movie. “Nobody in the world knew who the Godfather or who Scarface was, but we all saw. For people who don't know, it's the story and his character that will be the hook”, said Ram Gopal Varma. 

Source: filmibeat.com