Director Raj Kumar Gupta REACTS To Replacing Ileana D'Cruz With Vaani Kapoor In Raid 2: 'She Was Married, Had A Child...'

Raid 2 sees the return of Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik, IRS Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, with Vaani Kapoor stepping into the role of his wife, Malini Patnaik — a character originally portrayed by Ileana D'Cruz in the 2018 film. Now, Raid 2 director Raj Kumar Gupta has opened up about the casting decision, revealing why he chose Vaani over Ileana.

Gupta shared that Ileana’s personal circumstances, including her marriage and relocation outside India, played a significant role in the casting change. He told Zoom, "She was married, started a family, and had a child. Ileana had her priorities, and she shifted out of India. We had a great time working together, and she will always be a part of the Raid world."

Further, the filmmaker stated that Ileana was part of the 2018 film Raid, and there is no negativity around Vaani joining Raid 2. He explained that several films go through similar casting changes due to unavoidable circumstances.

"Pehle bhi change hua hai, iss mein bhi hua hai. Situation aise ho jate hai ki ek character alag actors nibhate hai. Ileana is a part of the Raid world, and that can’t be denied," he added.

Earlier, at the trailer launch of Raid 2, Vaani addressed the topic of replacing Ileana D'Cruz and clarified that there was no rivalry between them.

"No jealousy with the previous one. We share a great equation off-screen. You just try to play your part in the most authentic manner and follow the brief of the director and writer. This film showcases a different side of me. It felt new and refreshing," said Kapoor.