Mukesh Chhabra on trolling of Ramayana, Dhurandhar: Negativity is a bit too much
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra addressed the pre-release backlash around Ramayana and Dhurandhar. He reflected on online negativity and the growing tendency for audiences to "over-judge" films these days.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra has spoken about the pre-release negativity surrounding his recent projects, Ramayana (2026) and Dhurandhar (2025), saying good films ultimately find their audience. He reflected on the criticism and negative narratives that emerged around Dhurandhar before its release, including scrutiny over its press promotion and the last-minute cancellation of its press screening.
Chhabra, who handled the casting for both films, said the scale of the projects demanded the same kind of commitment he had brought to Gangs of Wasseypur. He also spoke about online trolling, backed his work on Ramayana amid criticism of its teaser, and said he would like to see Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh star together in a film.
While addressing the backlash, Chhabra, in an interview with News 18, said, "The negativity is a bit too much these days. I don’t know ki yeh sab kaun karwaata hai, kaise karwaata hai. People tend to over-judge. I don’t know why. It can happen to anyone these days.” He added, “This troll culture has gained ground but I can’t really do anything to stop that. I feel bad for everyone... These trolls immediately disappear the moment a film releases."
Chhabra said the demands of Ramayana and Dhurandhar reminded him of the scale of Gangs of Wasseypur, which required 384 actors. Referring to the criticism around the Ramayana teaser, including comments on its VFX and the casting of Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, he said, “I did Ramayana with the same dedication and purity as Dhurandhar.”
Chhabra was associated with Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026), featuring actor Ranveer Singh in the lead role. The films were directed by Aditya Dhar and co-produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios.
Chhabra's collaboration with director Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana, is set for a Diwali 2026 release. The film's sequel is expected to release in Diwali 2027.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra has spoken about the pre-release negativity surrounding his recent projects, Ramayana (2026) and Dhurandhar (2025), saying good films ultimately find their audience. He reflected on the criticism and negative narratives that emerged around Dhurandhar before its release, including scrutiny over its press promotion and the last-minute cancellation of its press screening.
Chhabra, who handled the casting for both films, said the scale of the projects demanded the same kind of commitment he had brought to Gangs of Wasseypur. He also spoke about online trolling, backed his work on Ramayana amid criticism of its teaser, and said he would like to see Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh star together in a film.
While addressing the backlash, Chhabra, in an interview with News 18, said, "The negativity is a bit too much these days. I don’t know ki yeh sab kaun karwaata hai, kaise karwaata hai. People tend to over-judge. I don’t know why. It can happen to anyone these days.” He added, “This troll culture has gained ground but I can’t really do anything to stop that. I feel bad for everyone... These trolls immediately disappear the moment a film releases."
Chhabra said the demands of Ramayana and Dhurandhar reminded him of the scale of Gangs of Wasseypur, which required 384 actors. Referring to the criticism around the Ramayana teaser, including comments on its VFX and the casting of Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, he said, “I did Ramayana with the same dedication and purity as Dhurandhar.”
Chhabra was associated with Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026), featuring actor Ranveer Singh in the lead role. The films were directed by Aditya Dhar and co-produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios.
Chhabra's collaboration with director Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana, is set for a Diwali 2026 release. The film's sequel is expected to release in Diwali 2027.
