Sanjay Mishra, a celebrated character actor in Indian cinema, has replaced Vijay Raaz in Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film Son of Sardaar 2. This sequel to the 2012 hit comedy-action film Son of Sardaar features Mrunal Thakur in a pivotal role and has been making headlines due to Raaz's controversial exit. Mishra, in a recent interview with India Today, discussed how challenging it was to take over Raaz’s role and emphasized his strong relationship with Devgn as a motivating factor for accepting the part. This casting shake-up has also sparked discussions about the on-set dynamics that led to Raaz’s removal.
Sanjay Mishra’s Thoughts on Replacing Vijay Raaz
Speaking about the situation, Sanjay Mishra said that taking over the role from Vijay Raaz was not an easy task. He noted that Raaz, known for his exceptional acting skills, left big shoes to fill. “Replacing Vijay wasn’t easy,” Mishra admitted. “He’s a phenomenal actor, as we all know. At the back of my mind, it was surely playing that I needed to perform and deliver my best, especially because I replaced a fine actor like Vijay.”
Despite the pressure of stepping into the role, Mishra was motivated by his friendship with Ajay Devgn. The two have shared a strong bond over the years, with Mishra crediting Devgn for helping him through difficult times. “One call from him and that’s all it takes for me to say yes to him,” Mishra said. “Ajay has always shown faith in me, and I didn’t want to disappoint him or the audience.”
Why Vijay Raaz Was Replaced
Vijay Raaz’s departure from Son of Sardaar 2 has stirred considerable controversy. According to Kumar Mangat Pathak, the film’s co-producer, Raaz was removed due to unprofessional behavior on set. Mangat stated that Raaz’s demands for larger rooms and more expensive accommodations, including overcharging for his spot boy, led to the decision. “He demanded premium suites even though all actors and I were staying in standard rooms,” Mangat explained. “He also insisted that his spot boy be paid ₹20,000 per night, which is more than what many top actors’ spot boys earn.”
Mangat highlighted that the shoot took place in the UK, an expensive filming location, which made it difficult to accommodate Raaz’s demands. The allegations against Raaz suggested that his behavior had become disruptive to the production process, leading to his dismissal.
Vijay Raaz Denies Misconduct
Vijay Raaz, however, denied these allegations. In his version of events, Raaz claimed that he was removed from the film shortly after arriving on set, and the reasons had nothing to do with his behavior. According to Raaz, the misunderstanding began when he did not greet Ajay Devgn upon arriving, as Devgn appeared to be busy at the time. “I didn’t go to greet him as he was engaged in something else,” Raaz said. “After a short while, Kumar Mangat approached me and asked me to leave the film. The only thing I didn’t do was greet Ajay Devgn.”
Raaz insisted that there was no misconduct on his part and described the situation as a misunderstanding. “These are powerful people, and the chatter of misconduct doesn’t arise at all,” he added, implying that his dismissal was less about his behavior and more about internal dynamics within the production team.
Mishra’s Perspective on Raaz and Their Friendship
Despite stepping into Raaz’s role, Sanjay Mishra emphasized that there were no hard feelings between the two actors. “We are also friends and will remain so,” Mishra said. “I’m a fan of his work, and he’s amazing at what he does. This instead motivated me to better my performance, so I don’t disappoint my audience and Ajay.”
Mishra’s comments reflect his deep respect for Raaz’s craft, while also shedding light on the professionalism required to navigate such changes within the film industry. Mishra has consistently demonstrated his acting versatility over the years, appearing in critically acclaimed films such as Masaan, Ankhon Dekhi, and Kaamyaab, which have earned him widespread appreciation.
About Son of Sardaar 2
Son of Sardaar 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2012 action-comedy Son of Sardaar, which starred Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, and Sanjay Dutt. Directed by Ashwani Dhir, the original film followed the story of a man who returns to Punjab to reclaim his family’s land, only to find himself caught in a long-standing feud between two families. With a mix of action, humor, and romance, the film was well-received by audiences, though it faced mixed critical reviews.
The sequel, directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, is expected to build on the success of the first film with an all-new storyline and cast additions, including Mrunal Thakur. The film’s shoot is currently underway in the UK, with extensive action sequences and comedy moments anticipated. After the UK schedule, the team is set to return to India to complete the filming.
Controversies Surrounding Son of Sardaar 2
In addition to Vijay Raaz’s exit, Son of Sardaar 2 has faced other hurdles during its production. Earlier, Sanjay Dutt, who played a key role in the first film, was unable to participate in the sequel due to his UK visa being denied. This decision stemmed from Dutt’s prior jail term in India, which has impacted his ability to travel for international shoots.
Despite these challenges, the production team has remained optimistic about the film’s prospects. Ajay Devgn, known for his action-packed roles and intense screen presence, has taken a hands-on approach to the film, ensuring that it meets audience expectations
As the release of Son of Sardaar 2 approaches, the film has already generated significant buzz due to its high-profile casting changes and behind-the-scenes drama. While Vijay Raaz’s exit may have caused some turbulence, Sanjay Mishra’s inclusion in the project brings a unique blend of humor and depth to the role. With Ajay Devgn at the helm and Mrunal Thakur joining the ensemble cast, the film is shaping up to be a memorable addition to the franchise. Fans of the original can look forward to another round of comedy, action, and family drama when the movie hits theaters.