On The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, casting director Mukesh Chhabra opens up about Sara Arjun’s audition journey for Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar was one of the biggest blockbusters of 2025, and following its massive success, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is emerging as a major cinematic force in 2026. Much of the film’s success has been credited to filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s meticulous detailing, Ranveer Singh’s powerful performance, and a well-crafted ensemble cast that came together as a dream team. Among them, Sara Arjun’s on-screen chemistry with Ranveer has especially resonated with audiences.
But landing the role of Yalina Jamali wasn’t easy. In a recent conversation on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, casting director Mukesh Chhabra revealed that more than a thousand girls auditioned for the part before Sara was finalised.
Speaking about the casting process, Mukesh shared that the team was clear about finding a completely fresh face who could authentically belong to the world of the film. “We wanted someone new, someone who feels like she truly comes from that place. That authenticity was very important,” he said, adding that even established actors were initially considered.
He further explained how the audition process narrowed down from hundreds to just one. “We auditioned over a thousand girls. Then we shortlisted 50, then 30, then 20, 10, 5, 3, and finally one,” he recalled.
Talking about Sara’s audition, Mukesh revealed that her performance immediately stood out. “The moment she performed the scene, I sent it to Aditya on WhatsApp. His first reaction was, ‘Kaun hai yeh?’,” he said. Despite initial considerations about her screen presence, the team ultimately felt she fit perfectly into the narrative.
“She gave a fantastic audition. I’ll be releasing that audition soon, and people will understand why we chose her,” Mukesh added.
Fans are now eagerly waiting to watch Sara Arjun’s audition tape and relive the moment that impressed Aditya Dhar instantly.
