From Cannes to Cockpits, India’s Vijay Varma Takes Flight (EXCLUSIVE)

As a long-time admirer of Indian cinema who has had the privilege of witnessing its evolution over the years, I find myself absolutely captivated by Vijay Varma‘s meteoric rise to stardom. His journey from walking his first red carpet at Cannes with Monsoon Shootout to becoming one of India’s most in-demand performers is nothing short of inspiring.

Indian actor Vijay Varma is currently enjoying a surge in popularity. This year, he’s taken on key roles in several notable streaming series, such as the hostage crisis drama “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” for Netflix, the crime thriller “Mirzapur” on Prime Video, and the mystery show “Murder Mubarak” on Disney+ Hotstar. As a result, Varma has solidified his status as one of India’s most sought-after performers.

Actor just completed shooting for the film “Ul Jalool Ishq,” directed by Vibhu Puri. This is a dramatic piece with a poetic touch, featuring Naseeruddin Shah and telling the story of an Urdu letterpress owner on a quest to find a secluded poet. As Varma explains to EbMaster, it’s a heartfelt tale revolving around a person who operates a near-extinct Urdu press, desperately wanting to preserve it, but unfortunately, no more Urdu publications are being produced.

At present, he’s working on “Matka King,” an original series produced by Prime Video, which is set in the 1960s and 70s, under the guidance of director Nagraj Manjule. As Varma explains, it’s a tale about an unusual business venture, combined with a character who exploited a system flaw to amass wealth. We’re approximately 30% to 40% through filming, and we’ll continue until the end of December.

In 2024, Varma will have a remarkable breakthrough, following over a decade of dedicated work in independent films and streaming platforms. One of his early projects, “Monsoon Shootout” (2013), directed by Amit Kumar, debuted at Cannes. Reflecting on this experience, Varma shares, “That was my first red carpet walk as an actor, and it happened to be at Cannes. As a result, I made it into the French and German newsletters and magazines, and my fashion choices were even discussed.

International acclaim for Varma progressed with films such as “Manto” (2018) by Nandita Das and “Gully Boy” (2019) directed by Zoya Akhtar, both screening at Cannes and Berlin Film Festivals respectively. However, it was streaming platforms that really extended his fan base. In 2022, “Darlings” ranked among Netflix India’s top hits, while “Jaane Jaan” from 2023 also garnered significant attention. Similarly, shows like “Dahaad” (2023) and the ongoing series “Mirzapur” on Prime Video have attracted a vast audience.

The role of ‘IC 814’ signified a change for Varma, as he stepped into the shoes of a valiant pilot commandeering a plane, a stark contrast to his previous portrayals of morally complex characters. Varma admits that the idea of being associated with such an honorable and virtuous persona was appealing. He had grown accustomed to portraying sinister characteristics on screen.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’d plunge myself into the intricate details of aviation for my role preparation. “The thrill of aviation from my youthful days came rushing back as I found myself in the flight simulation center, gripping the simulator to grasp the nuances of its mechanics,” I recall. “I aimed to internalize as much as possible and translate it onto the set, knowing that what lay before me was a green screen. It required a focused imagination of a particular kind.

The actor additionally spoke with the individual who served as his character’s inspiration, the real-life captain. “The most exciting event was when I received a call from him after he saw the series, and he stated that he was deeply impressed,” Varma narrates. “His wife then took the phone and said, ‘I’ve known this man for many years. I know him better than he knows himself, and I can assure you that you’ve managed to depict him as closely as anyone could.’

The actor praises streaming platforms for fostering unique narratives, stating, “They don’t view their audience as simple-minded.” He explains, “They recognize the sophistication of their viewership, understanding the types of people who consume their content and the diverse stories they have been exposed to.

Varma posits that Indian audiences crave novel viewpoints. He frequently receives comments from viewers who don’t usually watch Bollywood films but still appreciate his productions. “I believe I’m striking a chord with individuals tired of the usual trail,” he muses.

IC 814″ has expanded his fan base beyond just Bollywood viewers. “I’ve found that there’s a significant global audience interested in aviation who are also following my work,” Varma notes. He’s observed a shift in his airport experiences, with flight crews now eager to greet him upon arrival.

With his star on the rise, Varma is currently investigating prospects in the Western world. He expresses excitement about this move, stating, “It seems like an excellent moment to make such a transition.” He mentions that conversations have started regarding acquiring foreign representation. The actor finds appealing the practice of “color-blind casting” where actors like Ishaan Khatter and Ali Fazal have been cast in roles not originally intended for South Asian performers.

As international producers increasingly embrace diversity, film directors are finding value in casting actors from the Indian diaspora and brown actors across various roles. According to Varma, this is a particularly profitable period. He intends to spend some time next year investigating these promising prospects.

Currently, Varma is dedicating his attention towards selecting roles that stimulate him creatively and appeal to thoughtful viewers.

2024-10-14 15:17

From Cannes to Cockpits, India’s Vijay Varma Takes Flight (EXCLUSIVE)

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