Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 23: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has drawn a comparison between the appearance of the alleged shooters involved in the firing incident outside actor Tiger Shroff’s car and the way criminals are portrayed in films, saying they would not even be considered for minor roles in a villain’s gang.

In a post on X, Varma observed that real-life criminals often look very different from their on-screen portrayals. He also referred to gangster Dawood Ibrahim while highlighting the contrast between real-life criminals and the characters depicted in films.

“The way the shooters of @iTIGERSHROFF looked like, in a film they wouldn’t be cast even as tea supplying boys in a villains den,” he wrote.

Varma further suggested that even if a film were made about India’s most feared gangster, a person resembling Dawood Ibrahim might not be selected to portray him.

“Real life casting director is very strange compared to reel life casting director,” he added, tagging casting director Mukesh Chhabra.

The filmmaker’s post drew mixed reactions from social media users, with some agreeing with his observation about the difference between real-life criminals and their cinematic portrayals, while others shared their views on casting choices.

“Casting directors cast what they can sell, not what exists. Bollywood’s gangster is always in a suit and a beard, but the real ones look like your local cable guy,” one user commented.

Another user wrote, “You have been a film director for many years. It would be great if you yourself played a role — like that of Dawood Ibrahim.”

“You at least show some real life incidents in your films but most directors are cowards by nature,” another user said.

Varma had earlier reacted to the firing incident involving Tiger Shroff, describing it as an unusual case. He suggested that the alleged motive appeared to be “vanity and pride” rather than extortion, contract killing or settling scores.

“What happened with @iTIGERSHROFF is a never before seen phenomenon. Instead of killings relating to extortion, contract murders, settlements etc, for the first time ever, they seem to be wanting to kill for vanity and pride,” Varma wrote on X.

The firing took place on October 19 outside a football club near Pushpa Narsee Park in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Tiger Shroff escaped unhurt, while his driver and an autorickshaw driver sustained injuries. Three people suspected of involvement in the incident were subsequently apprehended in Kota, Rajasthan.