Safe in the knowledge that Om Raut's story on Tanaji Malusare had sufficient fodder for the making of a cinematic hit, Ajay Devgn knew that his portrayal of the Maratha empire's commander would look magnificent enough, only if pitted against an equally promising antagonist. In search of someone "wicked and quirky" for the part of Udaybhan Rathore — the Rajput fort-keeper who was at loggerheads with Malusare at the Battle of Sinhagad — Devgn says he found the "perfect fit" in Saif Ali Khan.

"We wanted someone who could emote and depict the character well as he is at loggerheads with Tanaji. The idea was to find an actor with gravitas. Saif was perfect for the role. We've gotten along well right from our first film, Kacche Dhaage [1999] and then, Omkara [2006]. We narrated the [script], and he instantly liked it. Even though we didn't work together as much as we should have [in the past], I am glad we collaborated on this film," says Devgn, who had his heart set on the story ever since Raut gave him the first narration.