Aishwarya had rejected two action films, according to media reports, and Charlize Theron and Angelina Jolie were cast instead. She was first selected for the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith, in which she would have appeared on screen alongside Brad Pitt.
As a female spy in the film, Aishwarya stated that she felt uneasy performing kissing and other personal moments. Angelina Jolie snatched the film in this manner.