Why Didn’t Nikkhil Advani Cast More Bengali Actors in The Revolutionaries? Director Admits, ‘I’m Going to Get a Lot of Flak…’

When filmmaker Nikkhil Advani decided to bring the stories of some of India’s lesser-known freedom fighters to the screen, casting was always going to attract attention.

His upcoming Prime Video series The Revolutionaries explores figures including Rash Behari Bose, Bagha Jatin, Sachindranath Sanyal and Pratibha Lahiri individuals associated with a revolutionary chapter of India’s struggle against British rule.

But with several of these historical figures having strong connections to Bengal, one question has emerged: Why weren’t more Bengali actors chosen to portray them?

Advani has now addressed the issue, admitting candidly that criticism over his choices could come his way.

‘I Don’t Know Ya! It’s a Great Question’

During a conversation with NDTV, Advani was directly asked why Bengali actors were not more prominently cast as characters with Bengali roots.

His immediate response was surprisingly candid.

“I don’t know ya! It’s a great question,” the filmmaker said.

Rohit Saraf, who portrays Sachindranath Sanyal, then pointed out that Bengali actress Paoli Dam is part of the series.

Advani subsequently offered a broader explanation of what shaped his casting decisions.

Nikkhil Advani Wanted ‘The Best of the Youth’

For Advani, one of the biggest priorities was apparently ensuring that the stories of these revolutionaries reached as many viewers as possible.

The filmmaker referred to his previous historical projects, including Rocket Boys and Freedom at Midnight, while discussing the ambition behind the new series.

He said that the scale and opportunity provided by the platform made him determined not to “leave any stone unturned.”

Advani explained that he wanted to use “the best of the youth that is out there,” describing that approach as particularly important to him.

The filmmaker’s comments suggest that his casting strategy was driven less by matching actors to their characters’ regional backgrounds and more by assembling a young cast he believed could help carry the story to a wider audience.

Why Bhuvan Bam Was Cast as Rash Behari Bose

Perhaps the most talked-about choice is Bhuvan Bam as Rash Behari Bose.

Bam built his enormous following through online content before expanding into acting, making his transformation into a historical revolutionary a significant departure from the image many viewers associate with him.

Advani acknowledged that audiences could question the decision.

Referring to reactions about Bam playing Rash Behari Bose, the director explained that his objective was to “reach to the largest people” and introduce them to what he considers an incredible story.

The casting therefore appears to reflect Advani’s attempt to combine historical storytelling with performers who already connect with a younger and broader audience.

‘I’m Going to Get a Lot of Flak’

Advani also appeared fully aware that the lack of more Bengali performers in key roles could generate criticism.

“I am going to get a lot of flack…” he remarked during the conversation.

ALSO READ : What Is Mahesh Babu Really Like on Sets? Insider Calls Him a ‘Stress Buster’ Reveals His Fun Side

He then lightened the discussion by joking about his own connection with Bengal.

“My in-laws are Bengali, I am a jamai so I’ll be able to getaway with it,” Advani said with a laugh.

The remark added humour to the conversation, though the underlying casting question remains one audiences may continue debating once the series arrives.

Who Plays Whom in ‘The Revolutionaries’?

The Revolutionaries brings together several popular young performers for its central roles.

Bhuvan Bam portrays Rash Behari Bose, while Rohit Saraf plays Sachindranath Sanyal.

Gurfateh Pirzada takes on the role of Bagha Jatin, with Pratibha Ranta appearing as Pratibha Lahiri.

Paoli Dam is also part of the ensemble.

For several cast members, the period drama provides an opportunity to step into roles dramatically different from the contemporary characters audiences may associate them with.

A Different Chapter of India’s Freedom Struggle

Rather than concentrating primarily on the political leadership most commonly associated with the independence movement, The Revolutionaries turns its attention towards individuals who embraced a more militant path against colonial rule.

The series explores rebellion, friendship, sacrifice and the personal consequences faced by young revolutionaries challenging the British Raj.

Advani has previously demonstrated a strong interest in historical storytelling through projects such as Rocket Boys and Freedom at Midnight.

With The Revolutionaries, he is once again entering a space where historical accuracy, dramatic interpretation and casting choices are likely to be closely scrutinised.

When Will ‘The Revolutionaries’ Release?

Written and directed by Nikkhil Advani, The Revolutionaries is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on September 11.

The series will follow its central revolutionaries as their lives become intertwined with the fight against British rule, exploring not only their political convictions but also the sacrifices demanded by their choices.

Whether Advani’s unconventional casting decisions win over viewers will become clearer after the premiere.

But the filmmaker already appears prepared for one conversation surrounding the show why some of Bengal’s most significant revolutionary figures aren’t necessarily being played by Bengali actors.