Latest news with #RanaNaidu2
Mint
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Arjun Rampal on playing negative roles: 'Don't want to be predictable, I wonder why do these parts come to me'
One down and one more to go! For Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal, 2025 has been one surprise after another. First came Netflix's Rana Naidu 2, and next is Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar. What's common in both, you ask? Arjun in menacing roles. Talking to Livemint, Arjun Rampal opened up about what he liked most about his role as Rauf Mirza, locking horns with Rana Daggubati in Rana Naidu 2. Arjun said, "When I was approached for Rana Naidu 2, I went and watched Season 1. What I really liked the most about the whole show was that there was a dysfunctional family and a dysfunctional protagonist. He is not all white and black. The complexities the makers brought in, and how they arched each character and their journey, was very impressive. 'When Karan Anshuman and Suparn Verma approached me to play Rauf in Rana Naidu 2, they were very clear that even Rauf had to be very complex and unpredictable. There should be something new in the film—something nobody has seen me play or would anticipate me to play. So that's where the work started.' Arjun revealed how they came up with Rauf, who is not just ruthless but also vulnerable. "Karan kept going back and forth and kept working on scenes—how to make this character unpredictable, ruthless? He doesn't have any qualms about knocking somebody off. Also, we wanted to bring a certain amount of liberty towards the character, like he can be doing something horrible but also making it look kind of humorous." 'It's his unpredictability, because you see him flip once or twice in the middle of a conversation. That's why you keep watching, because you don't know what he will do next.' One thing we know by now, Arjun as Rauf is an out-and-out hit. In fact, ever since Om Shanti Om, Arjun in negative roles has been mostly appreciated. Does he agree that maybe the audience is drawn towards negative characters nowadays? 'Negative characters are definitely more fun characters to play. They are more fun to watch also," the actor said. But someone of Arjun's stature with decades of experience in the industry, someone might not prefer playing negative roles so much. Is there's a dearth of positive characters for him? He clarifies, "There are positive characters that I have played; there are films which will release where you will see me in a positive light, because I can't keep playing negative characters. But yes, there are filmmakers who are drawn to cast me in negative parts because they have seen me in these kinds of characters. And sometimes, I do look upon it and wonder, why do these parts come to me? "I guess it comes from a space because I am very honest with them. I try to find a human side of them; I don't see them as bad people. Maybe that resonates with the filmmaker or audience. Therefore, these kinds of roles become unique. I like the uniqueness. Yes, I don't want to be predictable. It does sometimes get very, very draining. Again, in Dhurandhar, I will play a terrible person." Both Dhurandhar and Rana Naidu 2 boast ensemble casts. When asked about the pressure of being in ensemble cast films, he quipped, 'I don't feel pressurised working with an ensemble cast. It is a pleasure, from Rana to Venkatesh Daggubati, the whole cast is filled with wonderful actors. For me, collaboration plays an important part.' The shoot for Rana Naidu 2 wasn't easy. So were the promotions. During one of them, Arjun escaped unhurt when a glass wall broke on him, injuring his finger. Arjun recalled, 'Yes, I cut my finger because the glass didn't break the way it was supposed to. I hit it with my hand. The whole glass collapsed on my head. I had glass all over me when I walked on stage. That's the world of Rauf.' "Even the shoot wasn't easy. It was very gritty, filled with dust and fire and fumes. You breathe this crazy air into your lungs, which is not ideal. I remember poor Rana got an eye infection during the shoot. He went through with it. We shot a gruesome fight in this condition, which was crazy. We had mud, dust all over us. When we sneezed, black soot would come out. It was tough." For the role, Arjun also gained 14-15 kg. Thinking about it, he chuckled and said, 'It was fun because I got to eat everything I wanted to eat. After that, losing it was painful. But if you do it in a healthy and scientific manner, then it's okay. I can gain weight easily. Losing requires a lot of discipline. You also need cardiovascular training. I don't take any supplements, steroids, or creatine. I do everything 100% naturally.' Amid the trend of Mythology films and shows in the industry, is Arjun open to doing any? He answered, 'I love mythology. It's one of my favourites. India has the best mythology; it's screaming out to be done the right way, correctly. With technology evolved, it allows us to go all out with mythology. I would be very, very excited if I could be a part of something like that.' His next release, Dhurandhar, will be out on 5 December.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Exclusive: Arjun Rampal on Rana Naidu 2, embracing grey roles, real-life influences
Actor Arjun Rampal joined the world of 'Rana Naidu 2' as the antagonist. He portrays Rana Daggubati's on-screen arch-nemesis Rauf Mirza in the Netflix crime-thriller. In an exclusive interview with the 52-year-old spoke about playing dysfunctional, complex roles, admiration for real-life characters and authentic depiction of true 'Rana Naidu 2' actor holds a nostalgic place for millennials as a quintessential Bollywood hero. While reflecting on portraying a ruthless gangster with political ambition in the Karan Anshuman directorial, he highlights the unpredictability of his on being asked about what contributed to his decision to say yes to 'Rana Naidu 2', while ensuring the series is unique from other crime shows, said, "When I watched 'Rana Naidu 1' also, what I liked about the show is that it's a dysfunctional family, a dysfunctional protagonist and all the characters are very complex and weird." He further said, "The only way I would have done 'Rana Naidu 2' is if Rauf's character would also be dysfunctional and complex, which is what I enjoyed watching all those characters in Season 1. So, I enjoyed the way the story was being told and really liked the world of Rana Naidu. I thought it would be interesting to enter that world as Rauf.""Of course, it took a while for us to work on the character. Karan Anshuman, who is the creator of the show, sat with me," the actor went went back and forth quite a bit to make sure we draw a certain amount of unpredictability, complexity, humour, all of that into the character. I wanted people to enjoy watching him (Rauf) and not be too serious or boring," Rampal asked how he comes to terms with the human side of a character like Rauf, especially when he himself doesn't identify with his actions, the actor said, "I don't think anybody is really good or bad. There are always two sides to a story, whoever you are playing, whether it is a good guy or a bad guy. Unfortunately, we end up saying, 'This is a protagonist or antagonist'."He further said, "I think when you just look at people as characters, then good characters can only be created only if they come from a strong belief system. I think once you find a good belief system, and the character comes from an honest place and has real emotions, then it becomes more relatable and more human." Actor Arjun Rampal plays Rana Daggubati's on-screen rival Rauf in 'Rana Naidu 2'. (Credit: Instagram/netflix_in) Rampal played the titular role in his home-production 'Daddy' based on the life of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli. His character in 'Rana Naidu 2' is an antagonist who is loved and respected by the slum-dwellers of Mumbai. On being questioned about referring to any real-life character while prepping for Rauf's role, the actor said, "Obviously, when I was prepping for 'Daddy' there were a lot of people who I had met from the other side of the world. There is that memory of emotion."He further said, "There were many real-life characters whom I would have loved to put into the film, but I couldn't include everybody in it. But I do have memories of how they act and behave. They are very genuine and real people. They know that there is a bullet out there which has their name written on it.""They are living their life actually in the moment more than planning what is going to happen in the future. Because when they try to plan something, it is usually when everything actually goes wrong for them. That is what I wanted Rauf to be. Like he is just that guy who is right there." Rampal Rana Naidu 2 trailer here: The first season of 'Rana Naidu' was known for its violent theme and visuals. However, Rauf's character, despite being brutal and rageful, is not shown to be offensive towards women. Even though he is a potential threat to society, his interactions with Rana's daughter Nitya (Afrah Sayed) are delicately when asked if he also felt the need for sensitive handling of scenes, especially when it comes to showing violence against women on-screen, said, "I think it was more or less everyone's feeling on the show this time around. Because I know when 'Rana Naidu 1' came out, people found it (violence) a little too much."He further said, "But actually, it is a family show also about a complex, dysfunctional family. That is what drew me to the show in the first place. We wanted 'Rana Naidu 2' to be bigger, better and more open to a bigger audience.""So, it was not just my scenes with Nitya and what I felt about her, the show took a different tonality which is accessible to a wider audience, where maybe you can sit with your kids and watch the show," the actor added. Actor Arjun Rampal shared his views on portraying complex, dysfunctional characters on-screen. advertisementStreaming platforms have reshaped the entertainment landscape in recent years. Rampal, on being quizzed about whether he would be interested in exploring more stories in the digital space going forward, said, "I think it's a huge feather in the cap for the entertainment industry. We are all entertainers, storytellers who like to tell stories."He further said, "I am an actor telling the story of a director through a character. So, even if I was a producer or director, it's all part of the film business. It is also going to keep growing as a medium and keeps evolving every day into what the audiences want.""Today, the audiences have so much to choose from. So, it is very important to concentrate on good content. Anything ordinary, run-off-the-mill or stereotypical is not going to resonate with the audiences today," the actor went is there, and very much part of the industry. We shouldn't say, 'That's the film or television world or OTT world. Today all those lines are blurred. So many new actors and filmmakers have come into the industry. Because of platforms like these, people get to tell stories which maybe they would not get if they were just doing a film," Rampal added. Actor Arjun Rampal will next be seen in Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar'. (Credit: Instagram/rampal72) Rampal's upcoming film 'The Battle of Bhima Koregaon' is a period drama, while he is also a part of Aditya Dhar's spy-thriller 'Dhurandhar' (2026) with Ranveer Singh. When asked if he had any apprehensions about being associated with films related to real-life events, since there could be sensitive themes in the storytelling, he said, "When you make a true story, the idea is to stick to the facts and come out with the truth."He further said, "If you try to blur the lines of that truth or fictionalise it and make it very one-dimensional in terms of storytelling, then those kinds of films become more or less like propaganda which has got just one point of view. For me, those are dangerous films. Bringing the truth out there and telling the truth to the audience is being brave as a filmmaker.""In the world today, the lines of what's real and what's not are so blurred. To get refreshing true stories which you can tell, be it mythological, historical, biographies, etc, it is important to get your facts checked and to do your research properly," he went on."That's exciting to me. I enjoy watching that kind of cinema and being a part of it. Yes, there is a certain amount of responsibility that comes into it. When you choose to do it then you are making sure that the filmmaker trying to tell the story is doing it in the right way," Rampal added.'Rana Naidu 2' also features Venkatesh Daggubati, Surveen Chawla, Abhishek Banerjee, Sushant Singh, Kriti Kharbanda, Dino Morea, Rajat Kapoor, Tanuj Virwani and others in pivotal Today, in its review of the show, while describing Rampal's performance, wrote, "Arjun Rampal as the ruthless antagonist, invokes his inner beast with one of his best performances. The actor brings a novelty to his character after playing a real-life gangster in 'Daddy' (2017)."'Rana Naidu 2' was released on Netflix on June 13.- EndsMust Watch
Hans India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Aditi Shetty justifies bold scenes as key to character depth
Actress Aditi Shetty, who plays the powerful and intense character Tasneem in Rana Naidu Season 2, has opened up about the much-talked-about bold and intimate scenes featured in the new season. Addressing the criticism and curiosity around the content, Aditi defended the creative choices, emphasizing that every scene was essential to the story and handled with sensitivity. 'Actually, Season 2 has very few bold scenes, and even those are shot aesthetically,' Aditi said in an interview. 'They were important for the story and added meaning to the character's journey. Nothing felt unnecessary—it was all part of the bigger picture.' The actress, who previously worked with the directors on Mirzapur, revealed that she was instantly drawn to Rana Naidu 2 due to its strong writing and compelling characters. 'I was already a fan of the first season, and when I got the call for Season 2, I was intrigued. The character arc, especially the face-off scene with Rana sir, sealed the deal for me,' she said. Aditi also reflected on the contrast between her on-screen persona and real-life personality. Describing Tasneem as 'fierce, intense, and dominating,' she admitted, 'I'm actually more bubbly and expressive in real life, while Tasneem is very stoic. But we both share a deep love for fitness, which helped me connect with her.' Rana Naidu Season 2, which premiered on Netflix on June 13, also stars Rana Daggubati, Venkatesh Daggubati, Arjun Rampal, and Kriti Kharbanda. The show continues its gritty and action-packed narrative with deeper character arcs and fresh twists.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kriti Kharbanda on facing rejection and losing a big film: The actress reveals it happened after her signing amount: ' I won't lie, I cried. It broke my heart'
Kriti Kharbanda reflects on her 16-year film journey, marking a new phase with 'Rana Naidu 2,' which she calls 'Kriti 2.0.' She recalls early rejections, including losing a major Bollywood role after signing the contract, emphasizing her commitment to self-reliance. Kriti values her experiences across languages and platforms, viewing them as crucial learning opportunities. Kriti Kharbanda has quietly carved a space for herself in the Indian film industry over the past 16 years, moving seamlessly across languages, genres, and now, digital platforms. With the success of Rana Naidu 2, where she's earned praise for her fierce portrayal of Alia Oberoi, Kriti is embracing a new chapter she calls 'Kriti 2.0. ' In a candid conversation, the actress looked back on her journey—marked by hard-earned milestones, painful rejections, and an unwavering commitment to forging her path on her own terms. In an interview with Moneycontrol, Kriti reflected on her 16-year journey from her 2009 Telugu debut Boni to the success of Rana Naidu 2, where she plays the bold and complex Alia Oberoi. Calling herself "Kriti 2.0," she also opened up about being replaced in a big project despite being signed. After her Hindi film debut Raaz Reboot, Kriti came close to landing a major Bollywood project. She went through several auditions and screen tests and had even signed the contract—only to have the opportunity taken away at the last moment. The actress opened up about the rejections she has faced in her career, recalling a particularly painful experience after the release of Raaz Reboot. She had auditioned multiple times, met the director, completed a look test with the lead actor, and even received the signing amount for a major Bollywood project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Darm-Experten: "Ein Großteil der Probiotika in Wahrheit wirkungslos?" Medizinmonitor Weiterlesen Undo However, while attending a family wedding in Delhi, she got a sudden call informing her that the role had gone to another actor who had become available. The reason given was industry relationships playing a role in casting decisions. Though heartbroken at the time, Kriti said she moved on quickly, acknowledging that such setbacks are common in a competitive industry where how you enter doesn't matter—only that you do. She also emphasized that she has never relied on personal relationships to advance her career. She shared that she prefers to succeed on her own merit and refuses to exploit industry connections or let anyone take her for granted. For her, every opportunity has been earned—not handed to her. Kriti, whose career began in 2009 with Telugu cinema, has since worked across Hindi, Tamil, Kannada films and now OTT. She sees Rana Naidu 2 as a turning point, calling it the beginning of 'Kriti 2.0.' Reflecting on the journey, she shared that her debut film was released on June 12, and by coincidence, she began this new chapter on June 13—marking a full-circle moment. That night, she gave herself a quiet pep talk, acknowledging how far she's come without any external support, and expressed pride in the path she's carved on her own. She doesn't label her early years in the industry as a 'struggle' but rather a meaningful learning curve. She believes every experience—good, bad, or challenging—has shaped her journey. Proud of both her achievements and missteps, she embraces every project as a stepping stone that helped her grow. Looking back at her 16-year journey, she says she wouldn't change a thing. Acting, she adds, will always remain her first love, even as she explores other avenues in the future.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rana Naidu 2 actor Rana Daggubati on online negativity against cinema: Art has to disturb those who are comfortable
Actor Rana Daggubati, who recently returned with season 2 of the web show Rana Naidu, continues to balance his presence between the big screen and the OTT space. No stranger to long-form storytelling - having made his streaming debut in 2023 - Rana says he has developed a measured understanding of cynicism often disguised as opinion - and how to rise above it. 'Art has to disturb the guys who are comfortable and create some kind of satisfaction to those who are disturbed and I believe in that,' says Rana, as he goes on to talk about online trolling. Rana Daggubati takes on trolls and shares with negativity. Sharing how he remains unfazed by online negativity, the 40-year-old says, 'Commenting is everybody's job and social media is a real thing. Everyone feels the need to say something and that necessarily doesn't have to be right or wrong - it's just someone's opinion.' Also Read| Exclusive| Rana Naidu 2 actor Rana Daggubati: Globally, theatres are on a decline Rana, who has worked across the Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi film industries, is well-versed in the different cultural expectations and the varied emotional responses of audiences when a film falls short of those expectations. 'When you take the size of a country like ours, the cultural understanding of people is very different,' Rana says. Recalling his experiences promoting films across India, he adds, 'We travel so many kilometers with a sense of what they (audience) understand, and it can be very different from how we choose to live our own lives.' He acknowledges that in a country as vast and diverse as India, different opinions are inevitable and one should take it in their stride. 'It just gives us a sense of understanding of those people because our jobs will not change. I have been doing this for 15 years and I will continue to do it,' he says before signing off, 'As creators, it's our job to say, 'Here's a story, let's see how many people it reaches.' That's what we need to focus on.'
