Sonkashi who is going to make her debut in Kollywood with Vishwaroopam opposite Kamal Hassan was the first choice for Rana.
It is believed that the Dabangg girl was offered the role before Deepika was roped in. But before she could give her consent, Deepika got finalized for the same.
Apparently the decision of casting Deepika was taken by Rana's leading star Rajinikanth as he wasn't comfortable romancing Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi as his leading lady. Rajini and Shatrughan Sinha are friends since long time. The duo has also worked together in films earlier.
So makers of Rana wanted someone who is equally suitable for the role and Deepika bagged it. While Sonakshi missed the chance to debut opposite a big star like Rajinikath, she will now make her debut opposite an equally big superstar Kamal Hassan.