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Arjun Kapoor on playing a villain in ‘Singham Again’: ‘Rohit Shetty instilled faith in me and has been a guide’


Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor is set to don a new avatar as he takes on the role of a formidable antagonist in the upcoming blockbuster ‘Singham Again’. Under the directorial vision of the esteemed Rohit Shetty, this latest installment promises to add a thrilling chapter to the beloved Cop Universe. Kapoor, who has previously impressed audiences with his diverse performances, recently expressed his gratitude towards the filmmaker for entrusting him with such a pivotal character arc.

The actor’s transformation into a cold-hearted, blood-spattered villain has already set the stage for what seems to be a gripping cinematic experience. His intense look has fetched him accolades in anticipation of the film’s release. Kapoor credits not one but two industry stalwarts for his foray into the realms of grey – Aditya Chopra, who recognized his potential early on, and now, Rohit Shetty, for casting him in a role that’s far removed from the righteous protagonists.

Having embarked on his filmy journey with a critically acclaimed performance as a debutant in ‘Ishaqzaade’ back in 2012, Arjun Kapoor has since traversed a versatile path in Bollywood. He honed his craft as an assistant director on the set of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ in 2003, before diving into the action genre with ‘Aurangzeb’. Kapoor didn’t shy away from edgier, more complex narratives, as seen in his work alongside Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra in ‘Gunday’, and in romantic dramas like ‘2 States’ opposite Alia Bhatt, as well as ‘Ki & Ka’ and ‘Half Girlfriend’.

Reflecting on his latest venture, Kapoor said, “I started my career by playing characters that were not black and white, like in ‘Ishaqzaade’ and ‘Aurangzeb’, and after all these years, I’m playing a villain in ‘Singham Again’! Aditya Chopra recognized my ability to play flawed characters back then, and now, I’m thankful to Rohit Shetty for believing in me to become the arch-nemesis in his much-admired Cop Universe film.” The actor extends his gratitude towards both Chopra and Shetty for being guiding forces in his career, shaping him into the actor he is today.

Kapoor finds his role in ‘Singham Again’ particularly exhilarating as it pushes his boundaries as an actor, offering him the unique opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the audience with a refreshingly different portrayal. Playing the arch-enemy in a high-stakes narrative is a thrilling prospect for him. “I have always wanted to experiment on screen and give audiences something different to look at,” Kapoor shared.

As he stands on the sets of ‘Singham Again’, Kapoor senses the serendipity of his full-circle moment. He attributes much of the love he has received to the roles he has inhabited that were shaded with negativity. It’s this love he hopes to recapture and even surpass with his latest film.

‘Singham Again’ is slated for a grand theatrical release in August 2024, aligning with the fervor of Independence Day celebrations. This star-studded spectacle features Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff in lead roles. Adding to the film’s illustrious cast are Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff, who are confirmed for special appearances that promise to intensify the movie’s cinematic appeal.

The excitement surrounding the film is palpable, as fans eagerly await yet another chapter in Rohit Shetty’s high-octane universe. With Arjun Kapoor’s villainous avatar on the horizon, ‘Singham Again’ is poised to offer not only an arresting narrative but a showcase of transformative acting prowess that will leave an enduring impact on Bollywood’s rich tapestry of storytelling. (With inputs from ANI)