Ali Fazal's performance alongside Judi Dench in Stephen Frears' Victoria & Abdul has earned some rave reviews across the international circuit. The film portrays the rare friendship and camaraderie between Queen Victoria and her personal man-servant, Abdul.
The appreciation coming his way has only proved that the decision of the team to cast Fazal in the role was right.
Ali Fazal brings out Abdul's innocence and charm: Shrabani Basu, author of Victoria & Abdul
Evidently, the actor was not the first choice for the role. There were several actors who auditioned for the role, including Dev Patel.
Patel's performance in the Academy award nominated Lions brought him some critical appreciation. He is one of the rising stars in Hollywood with performances in films like Slumdog Millionaire (2008), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015).
With such a body of work, it is quite commendable that Ali Fazal was chosen for the role over Patel. Fazal previously did a cameo for the action blockbuster, Furious 7 (2015).
While the film has already released in the United Kingdom and is due to be released in the United States on 22 September, it is also expected to hit the screens in India soon.