Sanjay Dutt Talks Thrills and Challenges of Playing Villains in South Indian Films
At a recent event for Double Smart, Dutt discussed his attraction to villainous roles, explaining, “Taking on South Indian films presents a challenge for me, and playing the villain is a fantastic opportunity.
Sanjay Dutt, one of Bollywood's most illustrious actors, has garnered acclaim for his diverse roles over a career that spans several decades. Known for his remarkable ability to navigate both triumphs and tribulations, Dutt's latest venture sees him embracing the role of a villain within South Indian cinema a genre where his formidable presence has recently been particularly notable.
Following his compelling portrayal of Adheera, the menacing antagonist in the highly successful KGF Chapter 2, Dutt has continued to carve a niche for himself as a formidable villain. His latest role as an antagonist in Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated film Leo further solidifies his reputation. Looking ahead, Dutt is set to reprise his role as a villain in the forthcoming film Double Smart, which features Ram Pothineni in the lead role. This role, too, promises to showcase his adeptness at embodying dark and complex characters.
Why Sanjay Dutt Chooses Villainous Roles in South Indian Cinema
The recent grand song launch of Double Smart in Mumbai provided a platform for Dutt to articulate his reasons for gravitating towards villainous roles in South Indian films. In his address to the media, Dutt elucidated the appeal of these roles with characteristic candour. He remarked, “Taking on South Indian films presents a challenge for me, and playing the villain is a fantastic opportunity. It involves a lot—action, intensity, and depth. You get to both inflict and endure violence, which is quite thrilling!” His comments underscore a preference for roles that offer both physical and emotional complexity, elements that are frequently integral to the villain archetype.
Adding a touch of humour, Dutt mentioned, “The rape scene was cut, but... it’s reassuring that even after many films, there’s still so much an actor can explore.” This statement not only reflects his openness to diverse and challenging roles but also his ongoing enthusiasm for exploring new dimensions within his craft.
Exploring Romantic Genres: A Future Possibility
Despite his current focus on villainous roles, Dutt has expressed a willingness to diversify his portfolio. When questioned about his interest in romantic dramas, he expressed enthusiasm for the genre. “Yes, I’d love to take on a romantic film if the right project comes my way,” he said. Dutt highlighted that the mass appeal of his roles often casts him as a 'mass' hero, yet he reminisced fondly about his performance in Saajan, a film celebrated for its romantic and musical elements. He remains open to exploring romantic scripts, provided they present a compelling narrative.
Anticipations for Double Smart
Regarding his collaboration on Double Smart, Dutt shared his admiration for the film's director, Puri Jagannadh, and his co-star Ram Pothineni. He noted, “We’re all admirers of Puri Jagannadh. As Ram pointed out, he brought a unique swag and coolness to Telugu cinema. I’m thankful to be part of Double Smart and to play the role of the Big Bull. Working with Ram is truly enjoyable; he feels like a younger brother to me.” The film, a sequel to Shankar, is slated for release on August 15, and Dutt’s involvement is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.