The scene where a Bollywood director is shown on his set is clearly a parody of Karan Johar and his film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001).
Story loosely based on the rift between real life dons Dawood Ibrahim and his protege Chhota Rajan. Mohanlal's character based on Real Life Police Commisioner of Bombay Dhanushkodi Sivanandan.
'Vivek Oberoi' is wearing special makeup in the film which makes his complexion several shades darker than it really is.
Ram Gopal Varma originally wanted to make a crime themed film with newcomers, at that time he had a meeting with actor Ajay Devgn, his strong and silent personality really moved Ram Gopal Varma, which made him to cast Ajay as an underworld don and initiated the story thread for this movie.
Manoj Bajpai was offered the role of Malik but declined due to date issues.