Ekta Kapoor Reveals Priyanka Chopra Was Considered For Naagin Feature Film

Prominent Indian television and film producer Ekta Kapoor has made a significant revelation regarding her highly successful franchise, 'Naagin'. In a recent interview, Kapoor disclosed that the supernatural drama, which has dominated television ratings for years, was initially conceptualized as a major motion picture. She had approached leading Bollywood actresses Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Katrina Kaif for the lead roles. However, due to various logistical challenges and the actresses' skepticism regarding the subject matter, the project eventually transitioned into a television series.

According to Kapoor, the idea for a film based on folklore emerged following the massive success of her 2011 film 'The Dirty Picture'. She aimed to create a female-led narrative rooted in Indian mythology and folklore. Kapoor believed that the concept of a shape-shifting serpent had immense cinematic potential if executed with a modern aesthetic. This vision led her to pitch the idea to some of the biggest names in the industry at that time.

Katrina Kaif's Skepticism Regarding the Concept

Speaking with Film Companion, Ekta Kapoor recalled her interaction with Katrina Kaif. Kapoor shared that when she presented the idea of 'Naagin' as a film, Kaif was skeptical about the audience's acceptance of such a traditional theme in a modern cinematic era. Kaif reportedly questioned the market viability and whether contemporary viewers would connect with folklore-based supernatural elements, while kapoor humorously noted that Kaif's reaction was one of disbelief, as the actress struggled to envision the project's success on the big screen.

Priyanka Chopra's Interest and International Commitments

Following her discussion with Kaif, Kapoor approached Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Unlike the initial hesitation from others, Chopra reportedly showed genuine interest in the concept. However, the timing coincided with Chopra's transition to international projects and her commitments in Hollywood. Due to her busy schedule and frequent travel abroad, the collaboration couldn't materialize. Kapoor expressed that she felt disappointed at the time, as she strongly believed that a solo heroine-led film with a ₹200 crore budget could have broken gender barriers in Indian cinema.

Transition from Silver Screen to Television Success

Faced with challenges in casting for the film version, Kapoor decided to pivot the project to television. She noted that the television medium allowed for greater creative risks without the immediate pressure of a massive box office opening or the necessity of a superstar lead. The release and subsequent global success of the film 'Baahubali' further reinforced her belief that Indian audiences were hungry for folklore and fantasy. Consequently, 'Naagin' premiered on television in 2015 with Mouni Roy in the lead, becoming an instant hit and spawning multiple successful seasons.

Analysis of Folklore in Modern Media

According to industry analysts, Ekta Kapoor's decision to bring 'Naagin' to the small screen revolutionized the supernatural genre in India. Experts suggest that while the film version might have been a landmark for female-led cinema, the television format allowed for deeper world-building and sustained audience engagement. The franchise has since become a cultural phenomenon, proving that traditional Indian stories, when packaged for modern consumption, retain significant commercial value. Kapoor's revelation highlights the evolving nature of content strategy in the Indian entertainment landscape.

So, to wrap up, the journey of 'Naagin' from a proposed feature film to a record-breaking television series underscores the unpredictability of the creative process, while while the collaboration with Priyanka Chopra Jonas didn't happen, the franchise's legacy remains firmly established in the history of Indian broadcasting. Kapoor continues to be a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between traditional folklore and contemporary entertainment.