The outstanding Madhavan is in his villain era, playing the antagonist in films like Shaitaan , where he went very dark, taking on a nasty avatar in Test and now, he plays another evil character in Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, battling opposite Akshay Kumar in court. The actor talks with Subhash K Jha and reveals that he has enjoyed the challenge of becoming a noir character and so much more.
Maddy, what’s this newly found affinity to villainous roles?
Ya, ya, I know. Shaitaan where I was quite a rogue….
Rogue is a mild description. You were red-hot evil, the devil reincarnated in Shaitaan.
(Laughs) Ok, I accept. Then, after Shaitaan , I was quite an evil character in Test. And now you will see me as the antagonist in Kesari 2.
So what is this, a new career in villainy when you are doing so well as a leading man?
No, no, no. This was just a phase. And one that I quite enjoyed.
Like Shah Rukh Khan’s grey trilogy, Darr, Baazigar and Anjaam ?
If you say so. But I will tell you one thing if you listen to me…
I am all ears…
Playing a grey/black character was challenging. I would like to think I am a good human being in real life. These three films gave me an opportunity to explore the dark side of my personality. In real life, I would never dare to do the things that my characters did in Shaitaan , Test and Kesari 2.
How was the experience of working with Karan Johar for the first time?
Oh, just amazing! Karan is one of the most passionate producers I’ve worked with. His dedication to getting his films to the screen with the least bumps is exemplary. Kesari 2 has turned out a very special film. Working with Karan and Akshay Kumar was a dream.
So are you done with being bad?
For now, yes, in my next film, I am back to being my habitual sweet self.
Come to think of it, you were quite a rogue in your Hindi debut Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein?
Ya, a Prem Rogue. Jokes aside, most people have shades of black and white in them. So it is in the movies, too. Even my character in my first big successful television series, Banegi Apni Baat, was no saint.
This is your 29th year in the acting business. How does it feel?
I never treated it like a business. It has always been a joyride for me. No matter what the language, I love being in front of the camera. I think I’ve a lot more to give.
