Saif Ali Khan, known for his versatile acting skills, is all set to make his debut in Telugu cinema with the much-anticipated film Devara. The film, which stars Junior NTR and marks Janhvi Kapoor’s debut in South cinema, has already created a huge buzz. Fans are eagerly waiting for its release on September 27, 2024, after the exciting trailer dropped on September 10, receiving overwhelming praise. However, what’s catching everyone’s attention is how Saif landed this major role, and it all connects back to his memorable performance in Omkara.
The ‘Omkara’ Connection: How Saif Got His Role in Devara
In 2006, Saif Ali Khan took on the role of Langda Tyagi in Vishal Bhardwaj’s critically acclaimed film Omkara. His portrayal of the scheming, rugged, and ruthless Langda Tyagi was a major turning point in his career. While the film had a stellar cast, including Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor, it was Saif’s transformation into the iconic villain that stood out. His performance left a lasting impact on both the audience and the industry.
Fast forward 18 years, and this very role played a crucial part in Saif being cast in Devara. During the trailer launch event of Devara, Saif revealed that Junior NTR and the film’s director, Koratala Siva, were highly impressed by his performance in Omkara. Both had seen the film and were so taken by his character that they immediately envisioned him in Devara, which has an anti-hero role tailor-made for Saif’s acting range.
Saif’s Role in Devara: An Anti-Hero with Layers
In Devara, Saif is set to play an anti-hero, not a traditional villain. During the trailer launch, Saif explained that his character in the film has multiple layers, making it far more complex than a simple antagonist. He thanked both Junior NTR and Koratala Siva for trusting him with such an intriguing role. Saif also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Vishal Bhardwaj, the director of Omkara, for giving him the role of Langda Tyagi, which continues to open doors for him even after nearly two decades.
The role in Devara will see Saif portraying both younger and older versions of his character, offering a wide range of emotions and physical transformations. According to Saif, the character involves some “crazy makeup,” which will add to the intensity of the role. Fans can expect to see a nuanced performance, where Saif’s anti-hero character challenges the typical villain trope.
The Lasting Impact of Langda Tyagi
Saif’s portrayal of Langda Tyagi remains one of his most talked-about performances. At the time of Omkara’s release, many were surprised by Saif’s transformation into such a gritty, dark character. His portrayal was filled with cunning, manipulation, and a raw edge that hadn’t been seen in his previous roles. Interestingly, the role of Langda Tyagi had initially attracted other actors, including Vivek Oberoi, but in the end, it was Saif who was chosen, and the decision proved to be a game-changer for his career.
Now, with Devara, Saif’s Langda Tyagi persona is again making waves. His ability to dive deep into layered, villainous roles seems to have left a strong impression on filmmakers, with Junior NTR and Koratala Siva being no exception.
A Clash of Titans: Saif vs. Junior NTR
Devara is already making headlines due to its star-studded cast, with Saif Ali Khan, Junior NTR, and Janhvi Kapoor taking on major roles. Junior NTR, fresh off the success of RRR, is one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, and his collaboration with Saif promises a thrilling cinematic experience.
Fans are especially excited to see how Saif, with his role as an anti-hero, will face off against Junior NTR’s character. The dynamic between the two is expected to be a major highlight of the film, and with Saif bringing his experience from roles like Langda Tyagi, the anticipation is even higher.
What Makes Devara Special for Saif Ali Khan
Devara marks Saif’s first foray into Telugu cinema, and it’s a significant step for the actor. With an illustrious career in Bollywood, Saif’s decision to explore regional cinema shows his willingness to experiment and take on challenging roles. Given his performance in Omkara and the lasting impact it’s had on his career, it’s no surprise that filmmakers from different industries are eager to cast him in pivotal roles.
At the event, Saif spoke about how excited he is to be a part of such a massive project, and how grateful he feels for being recognized for his work in Omkara even after 18 years. His role in Devara promises to be an exciting chapter in his career, one that could further elevate his status as an actor capable of pulling off both hero and anti-hero roles with equal finesse.
As fans eagerly await the release of Devara, there’s no doubt that Saif Ali Khan’s performance will be one of the most talked-about aspects of the film. With his role offering multiple layers and an opportunity to showcase his versatility, Saif is set to captivate audiences once again, just as he did with Langda Tyagi all those years ago.
