Proud to have worked seamlessly with Behl on Despatch despite his ‘impossible’ demands, Manoj Bajpayee says the experience readied him to work with absolutely anyone.
If actors loathe anything, it’s repetitive roles. This couldn’t be truer of Manoj Bajpayee, who loves nothing more than breaking a template. Known for his eclectic choice in roles and unmatched versatility, Manoj Bajpayee is gearing up for his latest venture, director Kanu Behl’s Despatch. “It’s a 180-degree turn after Bhaiyya Ji. The film is releasing by the year-end. You shouldn’t expect me to fit into a box. I am a rebel by birth and will die a rebel,” he smiles, exuding his characteristic charm.
Discerning cinephiles are eagerly anticipating the promises that this collaboration between Bajpayee and Behl holds. Behl, the director of critically acclaimed films like Titli (2014) and Agra (2023), both of which were showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, brings a unique vision to his projects. Despatch, an investigative thriller set in the murky world of crime journalism, marks a significant step for both the actor and the director. While Bajpayee remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the film’s plot, he candidly discusses his experience working with Behl. “Kanu Behl is a different kind of a director, he is one-of-a-kind. His demands are impossible to meet. He is a difficult and tedious director. But I am proud of the fact that I worked beautifully with him despite his demands and expectations. That means I can work with anyone,” he laughs, his eyes twinkling with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.
Headlining Behl’s movie is not just another acting gig for Bajpayee; it’s a deliberate step in his relentless pursuit of novel stories and characters. With over 100 films under his belt, Bajpayee is now looking to collaborate with young and new directors, eager to bring fresh stories and approaches to Indian cinema. “I am looking for new directors all the time, those who are in their late 20s and early 30s, because times are changing, storytelling is changing, as are the ways to define a character. I am always trying to learn.”
This eagerness to learn and evolve has earned Bajpayee a richly varied filmography.
. He is particularly thrilled that this year alone, audiences will see him in a diverse range of roles in movies like Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout, Bhaiyya Ji, and Despatch. “When they say something is unlike a Manoj Bajpayee film, I take that as a compliment. Once you make a formula for me, I come up with something else that breaks the formula. I want to keep breaking that template you have in your mind. The audiences in tier-2 cities of India, Pakistan, and the Middle East aren’t judging me just because I was doing a certain kind of genre. They are exhilarated [with my offerings].”
Bajpayee’s comments highlight his desire to avoid being pigeonholed. His career is a testament to his relentless pursuit of versatility. Whether playing a hardened gangster, a manipulative political figure, or a simpleton caught in extraordinary circumstances, his performances have always defied typecasting. Each role is a new challenge, a new opportunity to explore both the character and himself as an actor.
His partnership with Behl in Despatch is particularly significant because it represents a synthesis of unconventional approaches from both the actor and the director. Behl, known for his meticulous directorial style and complex narratives, found in Bajpayee a kindred spirit willing to push boundaries for the sake of authentic storytelling. “Every director has their unique approach, and Kanu’s style is particularly demanding. It’s exhausting but also extremely rewarding. By meeting his high standards, I’ve realized I can meet any challenge thrown at me,” Bajpayee asserts.
In a landscape where successful actors often play it safe, Bajpayee’s choices set him apart. His filmography serves as a roadmap for aspiring actors, urging them to embrace complexity and shun the easy path of repetitive roles. His willingness to work with emerging directors is also a hopeful sign for the future of Indian cinema, suggesting that innovation and risk-taking will continue to be valued.
As the year-end approaches and Despatch gears up for its release, fans and critics alike eagerly await yet another transformative performance from Manoj Bajpayee. Whether the film becomes a critical darling or a commercial success, one thing is certain: Bajpayee’s unyielding commitment to his craft ensures that he remains one of the most distinguished and respected actors in the industry. With each role, he dismantles preconceived notions and forges new paths, both for himself and for the narrative possibilities within cinema.
