Yash Wasn't The First Choice For KGF's Rocky Bhai? Hombale Films Has This To Say
Helmed by Prashant Neel and backed by Hombale Films, KGF significantly boosted Yash's career, propelling him and the Kannada film industry to new heights
South star Yash gained massive popularity following his appearance as Rocky Bhai in the pan-India action thriller franchise, KGF. Helmed by Prashant Neel and backed by Hombale Films, it significantly boosted Yash's career, propelling him and the Kannada film industry to new heights. Recently, several reports suggested that the actor was not the first choice of the makers to play the lead role.
Now, reacting to the rumours, the makers of KGF have shared an official statement, calling the speculations baseless.
Hombale Films' Official Statement
In a statement to Hindustan Times, the makers said, 'We've been working with Yash for longer than we have with any other actor. Moreover, Yash is a member of our family. KGF was created with Yash in mind, and for us, he will always be Rocky Bhai. We were constantly in contact with several other actors across India for significant roles in KGF 1. Any speculations or rumours suggesting that Yash was not the top choice for KGF are false. We have not made any such remarks."
Several Actors Rejected KGF
Recently, while talking to HT, Chaluve Gowda, co-founder of Hombale Films, stated that the success of their films, such as KGF and Kantara, has raised the status of Kannada films. He claimed that when they approached stars from outside Karnataka for their films, they were rudely dismissed. 'We went to a major star for KGF years ago. They asked, 'Where do these Kannada films even run?' At the time, few people outside of Karnataka were familiar with Kannada cinema. They knew a few names, including Dr. Rajkumar. But that was it. That has definitely changed now," he said.
KGF Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
KGF Chapter 1, released in 2018, became the highest-grossing Kannada film, grossing over Rs 250 crore, despite a clash with Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's Zero. Following its success, the makers came with KGF Chapter 2 in 2022, which minted more than Rs 1,000 crores worldwide.
Notably, the makers have already announced KGF Chapter 3. However, the production of the film is yet to begin.
First Published:
August 13, 2025, 17:09 IST
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