Within two minutes I decided to cast Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Balasaheb Thackeray : Sanjay Raut

Thackeray, based on the life of the Shiv Sena Supremo - Balasaheb Thackeray, saw its newly released trailer trending on YouTube, with over 10 million hits. Firebrand Journalist-MP and man behind the film, Sanjay Raut, divulged that the casting for the role of Balasaheb took barely two minutes.

“Once while I was traveling, I watched Freaky Ali, where Nawazuddin Siddiqui played a golfer. I had already seen it before but I started watching it again, only to realize that Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s face can be made to look like Balasaheb,” said Sanjay Raut, who is also the writer of the film.

Sanjay Raut averred that before casting Nawazuddin Siddiqui, he wanted to see his style and gestures. In a matter of moments, Sanjay Raut was convinced. “I called him at a hotel and I observed his style and gait. And within minutes, I told him that I am making the ‘Thackeray’ biopic and he is playing Balasaheb Thackeray,” continued Sanjay Raut.