‘Sai Pallavi won’t wear sleeveless blouse’: Sandeep Reddy Vanga recalls why she wasn’t in Arjun Reddy; says Naga Chaitanya inspired Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal look 

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga praised actor Sai Pallavi at Thandel’s pre-release event, and revealed that she was the first choice for Arjun Reddy. Sandeep Reddy Vanga also shared how Naga Chaitanya’s bearded look in real life, inspired his character’s looks for Shahid Kapoor in Kabir Singh and Ranbir Kapoor in Animal.

On Sunday, the makers hosted a grand Thandel Jaathra event in Hyderabad, which was also attended by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. During his interaction with the audience, Sandeep Vanga shared how Naga’s real-life look inspired him to design Shahid Kapoor’s character in Kabir Singh and Ranbir Kapoor’s character in Animal. He praised Naga Chaitanya, wished him luck for Thandel, and said, “For some reason, even without knowing certain actors personally, you feel a special inclination towards them, and Chaitanya is one of them. In reality, the way you dress and even the way you drive your Lamborghini – I asked my costume designer to take references from your real-life outfits for Kabir Singh and Animal. I’ve never shared this before, but I thought I would today.”

#SandeepReddyVanga Wanted to Cast #SaiPallavi for #ArjunReddy

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— 𝐁𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 (@BheeshmaTalks) February 2, 2025

Also Read: Naga Chaitanya on Aamir Khan being a lucky charm for his films with Sai Pallavi: ‘He exudes so much positivity’

At the same event, he also praised actress Sai Pallavi and shared how she was the first choice for Arjun Reddy and recalled why he did not cast her.

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Watch the trailer of Thandel here:

Also Read | Naga Chaitanya talks about Sobhita Dhulipala at Thandel trailer launch: ‘Fell in love, married a Vizag ammayi’

He revisited his conversation with a talent coordinator who asked him to ‘forget about’ casting Sai Pallavi. Sandeep said that he was told Sai Pallavi wouldn’t even wear sleeveless clothes on screen. Sandeep also added, “Eventually, heroines will change over the period, based on opportunities. But to see Sai Pallavi not changing at all. It’s great.” Sai Pallavi also praised Vanga for his strong and unfiltered voice on-screen. “It is refreshing to see someone who isn’t influenced by external pressures,” Sai Pallavi said.

On the work front, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is shooting for his next with Prabhas. As for Thandel, the film is a romantic drama directed by Chandoo Mondeti. It will be released in cinemas on 7th February.