Bobby Deol, who once ruled Bollywood in the late ’90s, has now found a new calling in South Indian cinema – as a villain. With four major South films in his pocket, Bobby has become the go-to actor for antagonist roles. But why is there such a rush among South filmmakers to cast him as the villain in their big-budget projects? Let’s dive into the reasons that have made Bobby Deol a sought-after name in the South, and the major projects he’s bagged.
Bobby Deol’s Villainous Roles in South Indian Films
Bobby Deol has lined up some big South films where he will play the antagonist. His current projects include:
- Kanguva
- NBK109
- Hari Hara Veera Mallu
- Thalapathy 69
While his South films are keeping him busy, he’s also set to appear in a major Bollywood film, Alpha from the YRF Spy Universe, opposite Alia Bhatt, where he will again be seen as a villain. Bobby has become the new face of villainy in both Bollywood and South films.
What Made Bobby Deol a Villain of Choice in South Films?
1. Bobby’s Comeback in ‘Animal’ Sparked His New Image
Bobby Deol’s resurgence as an actor started with the film Animal, where his role as the villain gave him newfound popularity. While Ranbir Kapoor got much of the praise for his performance, Bobby also gained significant recognition for his portrayal of the antagonist. In fact, in some circles, his performance even overshadowed Ranbir’s.
This new-found fame in a villainous role made Bobby an ideal fit for similar characters, especially in South Indian films. Given that Animal performed decently in South markets, Bobby’s popularity began to grow there too, making him an appealing choice for filmmakers looking for a strong villain.
2. The Pan-India Film Trend
The success of films like Baahubali, Pushpa, and KGF has fueled the demand for Pan-India films. South filmmakers understand that the Hindi-speaking audience is a key market, and casting a familiar Bollywood face adds to the film’s appeal across India. However, casting a big Bollywood star in a South film can be tricky due to budget constraints and the need to balance screen space with the South star.
This is where Bobby Deol comes in as the perfect solution. He is well-known across India, has a strong screen presence, and currently has an image that suits villainous roles. By casting Bobby as the antagonist, South filmmakers can create a Pan-India appeal without disrupting the balance of their films.
3. A Cost-Effective Option
Convincing big Bollywood stars to play antagonist roles in South films can be expensive. These stars usually demand significant screen time and hefty fees, making it challenging for filmmakers to maintain their budgets. For instance, someone like Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan would charge anywhere between Rs 20 to 25 crores for a cameo or a short role.
In contrast, Bobby Deol offers a more budget-friendly option. For his role in Thalapathy69, which has a budget of Rs 1000 crore, Bobby is reportedly getting around Rs 5 crore. This is quite affordable, especially considering his rising popularity as a villain. This makes Bobby an attractive option for South filmmakers looking to make high-budget films without overspending on casting.
4. His Physique and Image Fit the New-Age Villain
Recent South Indian films have redefined the image of villains. These characters are often physically imposing, have rugged looks, and exude a menacing aura. Bobby Deol, with his impressive physique, grown-out beard, and intense expression, fits this mold perfectly. His appearance in Animal showcased his ability to bring these qualities to life on screen, making him an ideal fit for the kind of villainous roles that South films now demand.
5. 90s Stardom and Nostalgia
Bobby Deol was a big name in Bollywood during the ’90s, starring in hit films like Soldier and Bichhoo. For many fans, Bobby’s return to films brings a sense of nostalgia. South filmmakers, aware of this, are capitalizing on his past stardom to draw in audiences who remember his glory days.
This nostalgia, combined with Bobby’s new persona as a villain, is making him a hot commodity in the South. His return not only excites his fans but also brings added value to the films he’s part of.
The Future of Bobby Deol as a Villain
Bobby Deol’s career has seen its ups and downs, but his reinvention as a villain in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema has been a significant turnaround. As more South filmmakers embrace the Pan-India trend and look for cost-effective yet impactful villains, Bobby Deol is likely to continue rising in prominence.
