logo
Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak's ‘Annu' steps into darker territory in Mandala Murders

Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak's ‘Annu' steps into darker territory in Mandala Murders

Time of Indiaa day ago
Vaibhav Raj Gupta is showing audiences that he's far more than Gullak's affable Annu. In Netflix's gripping crime thriller Mandala Murders, he takes on a starkly contrasting role as a suspended cop caught in a maze of serial murders and haunting pasts. His powerful performance is being lauded for breaking type and revealing a darker, more intense facet of his talent. If you don't know who he is, we have got you covered.
Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak actor now in Mandala Murders
Vaibhav Raj Gupta, born on January 19, 1991, in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, began his career in theatre before moving into film and television. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Anand 'Annu' Mishra in the popular web series Gullak (2019–2024), where his relatable performance resonated with audiences throughout its run. Before his breakout role, he featured in projects like Noor (2017) and Good Bad Girl (2022), steadily establishing himself as a performer committed to strong storytelling and nuanced characters.
Vaibhav Raj Gupta in Mandala Murders
In Netflix's thriller Mandala Murders, Vaibhav steps into a much darker role as Vikram Singh, a suspended police officer haunted by his past. He joins forces with CBI officer Rea Thomas (played by Vaani Kapoor) to investigate a string of ritualistic killings in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh.
His powerful performance in the series has drawn praise from critics, who have commended his ability to shed the affable image of 'Annu' and embrace a more intense, emotionally layered character, highlighting his remarkable versatility as an actor.
Vaibhav Raj Gupta talks about the success of Gullak
As per The New Indian Express, reflecting on the moment he knew the show was a success, Vaibhav Raj Gupta recounted how deeply moved he was by the reactions of his family especially his parents, grandmother, and aunt after watching the first season. Seeing the happiness in their eyes made him feel confident that the show had truly connected with its audience.
He credited the show's success to its thoughtful writing and well-developed characters, noting that even the best actors can't salvage a poorly written script. Vaibhav also praised the dedication of the entire team, from directors and writers to actors and crew and admitted that Gullak holds a special place in his heart as his favourite project to date.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pride and Prejudice series first look shows Bennet women as new cast joins
Pride and Prejudice series first look shows Bennet women as new cast joins

India Today

timean hour ago

  • India Today

Pride and Prejudice series first look shows Bennet women as new cast joins

Netflix recently unveiled the full cast for its upcoming limited series adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel 'Pride and Prejudice', and also shared its first look. The adaptation, which will be a six-part series, features an impressive ensemble led by Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy, and Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet. The series aims to deliver a faithful retelling of Austen's 1813 masterpiece while offering new interpretations of its timeless the principal cast are several acclaimed actors. Rufus Sewell takes on the role of Mr Bennet, with Freya Mavor portraying Jane Bennet. The series also includes Jamie Demetriou as Mr Collins, Daryl McCormack as Mr Bingley, and Louis Partridge as Mr Wickham. Newcomers Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery make their debuts as Mary Bennet and Kitty Bennet, respectively, adding fresh talent to the seasoned series is directed by Euros Lyn, known for his work on 'Heartstopper', with Dolly Alderton serving as the screenwriter. Alderton expressed her excitement about the project, as reported by Variety, 'Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,' and further commented on the significance of the novel, saying, 'Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' is the blueprint for romantic comedy – it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.' The adaptation promises to honour the original text while providing a contemporary perspective that resonates with today's audience. Additional cast members include Anjana Vasan, Sebastian Armesto, Rosie Cavaliero, and Saffron Coomber, among others. This diverse cast aims to bring a modern sensibility to the well-trodden production begins in the UK, anticipation is building for this Netflix series, which strives to maintain the integrity of Austen's vision while introducing dynamic storytelling elements. With a combination of established stars and emerging talent, the series is poised to capture the hearts of both dedicated fans of the novel and new viewers alike.- EndsMust Watch

Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel; See pics
Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel; See pics

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel; See pics

The first photos of Hollywood star Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth in The Adventures of Cliff Booth, the follow-up to Quentin Tarantino's Oscar-winning feature Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, are now out— and yes, the signature long hair is back. Brad Pitt plays Cliff Booth While earlier images from the set had shown Brad sporting a buzz cut, those now appear to have been from rehearsals. Fresh paparazzi shots, from the actual shoot, taken on Tuesday night outside Los Angeles' Beverly Cinema by Just Jared, confirm that Brad is back in full costume — complete with a blonde wig and vintage '70s threads — for the upcoming film which will stream on Netflix. According to report in Just Jared, earlier that day, Brad was also spotted in casual wear prepping for scenes alongside Girl Meets World alum Corey Fogelmanis and Anora actor Karren Karagulian. A closer look at the set reveals some key period details: notably, a poster of Richard Pryor's 1977 comedy Which Way Is Up? displayed at the cinema's entrance — a clue that the sequel unfolds nearly a decade after the events of the original film. The new project has attracted particular attention because it brings together some of Hollywood's biggest names, both on and off camera. Though Quentin originally wrote the script and had once planned to direct it as his tenth (and possibly final) film, he ultimately set the story aside. That's when Brad — who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the cool-headed stuntman in the original — stepped in to resurrect the project, reportedly helping shepherd it to Netflix. The streaming platform is said to have purchased the unused Quentin screenplay for $20 million. David Fincher, who has worked with Brad before in Seven and Fight Club, will be helming the film, taking over from Quentin. In comments made during a promotional event for his recently released film F1, Brad clarified that the movie is 'an episode in the character's life and not a sequel.' 'This is something Quentin Tarantino wrote. He didn't want to direct it at this time, so our friend David Fincher stepped in,' he had said. Set in the late 1970s, the film nods to several cinematic influences of the era. The setting year — 1977 — is significant not just because of the Pryor poster, but also because it marks the release of Rolling Thunder, one of Quentin's personal favorites. Alongside Pitt, the ensemble cast includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, JB Tadena, and Corey Fogelmanis, whose casting was recently confirmed by Deadline.

Before Love & War, a look at 5 Sanjay Leela Bhansali films that took Indian cinema global
Before Love & War, a look at 5 Sanjay Leela Bhansali films that took Indian cinema global

India.com

time2 hours ago

  • India.com

Before Love & War, a look at 5 Sanjay Leela Bhansali films that took Indian cinema global

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is not just a filmmaker; he is one of Indian cinema's most visionary storytellers. A true master of storytelling, emotion, music, and visual grandeur, Bhansali has crafted films that feel timeless yet urgent, deeply personal yet universally resonant. His ability to transport audiences through eras, emotions, and cultures echoes the genius of legends like Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, and K. Asif. With every project, Bhansali elevates Indian cinema to a global stage, earning international acclaim while staying rooted in Indian aesthetics and soul. Now, as anticipation soars for his upcoming magnum opus Love & War a film being mounted on a scale even grander than his past ventures it's the perfect moment to look back at five Bhansali masterpieces that didn't just win hearts at home but made a significant impact across the world. Khamoshi: The Musical Bhansali's directorial debut, Khamoshi, starring Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala, was a deeply emotional tale that marked the arrival of a distinctive cinematic voice. The story of a hearing daughter in a deaf-mute family resonated universally, inspiring global adaptations like La Famille Bélier and the Oscar-winning CODA. This film established Bhansali's signature style deep emotion woven seamlessly with music and proved that Indian stories could touch hearts across borders. Black With Black, Bhansali delivered a cinematic marvel that pushed artistic boundaries. Inspired by the life of Helen Keller, this poignant tale of a deaf-blind girl and her teacher was universally lauded for its soul-stirring performances and masterful direction. Black was included in Time Magazine's list of the 10 Best Movies of the Year (2005) and received accolades globally, including praise from the Academy. It reaffirmed Bhansali's place among the world's finest directors capable of blending sensitivity with cinematic scale. Devdas Devdas was a cultural phenomenon a stunning retelling of a tragic love story wrapped in unmatched opulence. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002 and was India's official entry to the Oscars that year. With its lavish sets, haunting music, and visual poetry, Devdas became a symbol of Indian cinematic grandeur, winning hearts from Paris to Tokyo and influencing filmmakers around the world. Gangubai Kathiawadi A bold, feminist narrative told on an epic scale, Gangubai Kathiawadi showcased Bhansali's evolution as a storyteller. The film received a standing ovation at the Berlin Film Festival and dominated Netflix's global non-English film charts, becoming the most-watched Indian film worldwide on the platform. Alia Bhatt's unforgettable performance, combined with Bhansali's meticulous world-building, made Gangubai a landmark in global storytelling. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar Bhansali's foray into OTT with Heeramandi marked a new chapter in his career and Indian content history. With grand palaces, ornate courtyards, regal costumes, and layered storytelling, Heeramandi captured the imagination of audiences across continents. It became the most-watched Indian web series in its debut week, garnering 4.5 million viewers and 33 million watch hours, and it trended in 43 countries, solidifying Bhansali's digital dominance and international appeal. On the workfront Sanjay Leela Bhansali were next be seen directing one of the biggest films ever Love and War starring Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store