Imran Khan has spoken about his experience working on Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, calling it the 'most lonely' film oh his career. Khan believes he was chosen mainly for financial reasons, not for creative suitability.

Speaking to podcaster Samdhish, Khan explained, "I did a film called Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola with Vishal Bhardwaj. That is the most lonely film I've ever made."

Khan said that Ajay Devgan was originally attached to the film but left during pre-production. As Khan was coming off a few hits, he thinks he was cast due to budget considerations, not because he was the ideal actor for the part.

The Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na actor added, "I believe he cast me for a dishonest reason, not a truthful creative reason... Ajay Devgn was originally attached to the film. They started prep. Somewhere in the prep stage, he backed out. I was coming off a couple of hits, so he cast me for the budget. The approach to Bollywood casting is all basis budget."

Khan criticised the industry’s focus on money over creative fit. "Nobody cares about casting you in the context of, are you the correct actor for this. They're just saying kitne paise milenge iske sath (how much money will we get with him)," he said.

When asked if his views were based on personal analysis or insider knowledge, Khan replied, "It's my analysis. Uske bad, he (Vishal Bhardwaj) would look at me and feel a creative dishonesty. Yeah, I have made a dishonest choice. I've cast a guy who I don't believe in."

Khan also indicated that there was no meaningful relationship between him and director Vishal Bhardwaj during production, reflecting a sense of professional and emotional distance.