How was Vivaan Shah cast in Sriram Raghavan's 'Ikkis'?

Vivaan Shah was cast due to a mistaken identity where the director initially thought he was corresponding with another actor of the same name.

Who inspired Vivaan Shah's role in 'Ikkis'?

Vivaan Shah drew inspiration for his role from his uncle, General Zameeruddin Shah, who fought in the 1971 war.

What challenges did Vivaan Shah face in 'Ikkis'?

Vivaan Shah faced significant physical and emotional challenges, particularly during the demanding full-scale combat action sequences.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Vivaan Shah's Role: A Fortuitous Mix-Up

Vivaan Shah's Role: A Fortuitous Mix-Up

1 Jan

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Summary

Vivaan Shah's casting originated from a mistaken identity.
He drew inspiration from his uncle, a war veteran, for the role.
The actor faced physical and emotional challenges during filming.

Vivaan Shah's casting in Sriram Raghavan's war drama 'Ikkis' was a fortunate accident, stemming from a brief encounter and a case of mistaken identity. Shah, often typecast due to his youthful looks, felt this role as a military officer was a welcome surprise. The initial connection with director Raghavan happened at a theater event in 2022, over a shared admiration for filmmaker Don Siegel.

Raghavan had mistakenly believed he was corresponding with another actor of the same name. Upon realizing the error, he sought out the correct Vivaan Shah. The actor embraced the challenge, pushing himself physically and emotionally, particularly enjoying the demanding action sequences. He found inspiration in his uncle, General Zameeruddin Shah, a veteran of the 1971 war, adopting his uncle's presence.

'Ikkis' also features Agastya Nanda, whose disciplined approach impressed Shah. He noted Nanda's maturity and focus, which he contrasted with his own younger self. The film presented significant physical and emotional demands, but Shah found the experience both challenging and deeply rewarding.