Sanjay Dutt, fondly known as “Baba” by his fans, has been a dominant force in Indian cinema for decades. Known for his powerful performances, the actor has recently gained attention for his roles as a villain in South Indian films. His latest film Ghudchadhi released on Jio Cinema on August 9, and he’s gearing up for his next big release, Double Smart, a Telugu film directed by Puri Jagannadh and starring Ram Pothineni. This film, set to release on August 15 in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, will see Dutt once again in a negative role. During a recent event in Mumbai, Dutt revealed why he enjoys playing villains in South Indian movies.
Why Sanjay Dutt Loves Playing Villains:
Sanjay Dutt, who made a lasting impression as the menacing Adheera in KGF Chapter 2, spoke about his preference for villainous roles in South Indian films. He expressed that these roles offer him the opportunity to explore his acting skills in new ways. “I think doing South films is a challenge for me, and it’s good to play negative roles because there is a lot to do in them,” Dutt explained. “You get to kill, you get to get beaten. The rapes have been cut, but that… it’s a good thing that after so many films, an actor has something to do.”
For Dutt, playing a villain is not just about being the antagonist; it’s about the depth and complexity of the characters he portrays. These roles allow him to push his boundaries as an actor, something he deeply values after a long and illustrious career in the industry.
Desire to Return to Romantic Films:
Despite his recent success as a villain, Sanjay Dutt also harbors a desire to return to romantic films, a genre he has not explored much in recent years. When asked at the same event if he would consider doing a romantic film again, Dutt replied, “Yes, if I get the right film, I would like to do romance. But our generation works for the mass audience. Hum log mass hero hai. Apun Saajan (1991) kar liya tha ek baar. It was a great film with lovely songs. So yes, I would definitely like to do such a film.”
Saajan, in which Dutt starred alongside Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, is still remembered for its beautiful music and emotional depth. The actor’s longing to return to such roles indicates his desire to revisit the romantic side of his acting career, which has been overshadowed by his more intense, action-packed roles in recent years.
Sanjay Dutt’s Upcoming Projects:
Sanjay Dutt’s career is currently on an upswing with several exciting projects lined up. In Double Smart, he plays the role of Big Bull, a character that is expected to be as intense and powerful as his previous portrayals. The film’s release on August 15 has generated significant buzz, particularly among fans of South Indian cinema.
In 2022, Dutt played the role of Adheera in Prashanth Neel’s KGF Chapter 2, a film that was not only a massive success but also redefined his career, leading to a surge in offers from the South Indian film industry. His portrayal of Adheera, a ruthless and formidable villain, was widely praised and solidified his position as a preferred antagonist in high-profile South Indian films.
Following the success of KGF Chapter 2, Dutt starred in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s 2023 film Leo, further cementing his status in the South. He is also set to appear in Prem’s Kannada film KD – The Devil, where he will star opposite Dhruva Sarja. Additionally, Dutt will be seen in the much-anticipated sequels Son of Sardaar 2 and Housefull 5, showcasing his versatility across genres.
The Allure of South Indian Cinema:
Sanjay Dutt’s transition to South Indian cinema has been seamless, and he credits the challenge and excitement of playing complex characters for his continued interest in these roles. The actor enjoys the unique storytelling styles and dynamic characters offered by South Indian filmmakers, which have allowed him to reinvent himself in new and exciting ways.
The roles he has taken on in South Indian films have not only expanded his fan base but also allowed him to explore facets of his acting that he might not have otherwise tapped into. For Sanjay Dutt, South Indian cinema represents a new chapter in his storied career—one where he can continue to evolve and surprise his audience.
