Deepika Padukone being considered for key role in Vicky Kaushal's Mahavatar: Report

Amar Kaushik’s grand mythological drama Mahavatar, featuring Vicky Kaushal as Lord Parashurama, was officially announced in November 2024 and is currently deep in pre-production. Although the makers have kept the casting of the female lead tightly under wraps, fresh industry chatter hints that Deepika Padukone may be in the running for a significant role in the Vicky Kaushal-led epic.

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Is Deepika the Front-Runner for Mahavatar?

Deepika Padukone’s recent appearance outside Maddock Films’ office instantly set off speculation that she might be joining the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. But if the latest buzz is any indication, the actress could instead be aligning herself with a far grander project.

A new report by Mid-Day suggests that Deepika is in preliminary discussions to star opposite Vicky Kaushal in Mahavatar. Sources from the production reveal that the film includes a substantial and emotionally rich female character- one crafted to match the intensity and depth of Lord Parashurama’s narrative arc.

Why Deepika?

An insider from the team offered insight into what the makers are seeking in their female lead and why Deepika has emerged as a top contender at this stage.

The insider revealed, "The team has been looking for someone who can bring gravitas and emotional depth to the role written opposite Parashurama. Deepika fits that space perfectly. Conversations have begun, but they are still at an early stage. She is among the top names the studio has engaged with."

What truly stands out is that the film’s female lead isn’t a mere support act.

The source further added, "Amar Kaushik has been clear from the beginning that the character must have equal footing in the narrative."

If the final deal materialises, Mahavatar will mark Deepika and Vicky Kaushal’s first-ever on-screen pairing- a combination fans would be eager to witness. For now, though, the production house is maintaining complete silence on the casting.

Why Vicky Kaushal Was Chosen as Lord Parashurama?

Director Amar Kaushik recently opened up about Vicky’s casting in an interview with Zoom, sharing how long he had envisioned collaborating with the actor.

The filmmaker said, "He has been an AD. He assisted Anurag (Kashyap) sir too. So, since then, I wanted to do something with Vicky. Kabhi aisa nahi hua tha ki main Mahavatar banaunga bhi. Ye aapke dimaag mein rehta hi ki yaar aisi kahaani aayegi, (par) kon hoga vaha tak toh aap pohochte nahi ho. And since I don't know when, suddenly it occurred to me that this film needs a person who has purity, who looks very pure, who has angst, yet has a very deep meaning in his eyes and in the way he talks."

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With such a vision backing the casting and the possibility of a powerhouse pairing, Mahavatar is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sagas in recent times.