Kiccha Sudeep on retirement: Every hero has a shelf life as a leading man

Kiccha Sudeep

Kiccha Sudeep, one of the most celebrated actors in the Kannada film industry, has been a dominant force in Indian cinema for over 28 years. With films like Pailwaan, Vikrant Rona, Hebbuli, and his unforgettable antagonist role in Eega opposite Nani, Sudeep has built a legacy marked by versatility and dedication. Now in his early 50s, he has completed 46 films, and while he continues to thrive in the industry, he has started contemplating the next phase of his career.

During a recent podcast with Raghavendra Chitravani, Kiccha candidly shared his thoughts on retirement and how he envisions his future in cinema. He made a striking observation about the life cycle of a leading man in films, stating, “Every hero becomes a bore in the end. Each one has a shelf life as a leading man.” This statement reflects his awareness of the evolving nature of stardom and the inevitable changes that come with aging in the film industry.

Kiccha emphasized that he is not tired of acting but admitted that retirement is something he has considered. He expressed a desire to move beyond protagonist roles, but transitioning into character roles—such as playing an older or younger brother, uncle, or similar supporting parts—does not appeal to him. “As a hero, I’ve never made anyone wait on my set. Tomorrow, if I were to do a supporting role, I wouldn’t want to sit around waiting for someone else.” His reluctance to take on traditional character roles highlights his strong preference for impactful and meaningful projects.

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The actor also spoke about the importance of finding a new purpose or passion when stepping away from acting. He believes that simply continuing for the sake of staying relevant does not align with his artistic values. Rather than playing safe with familiar roles, he wants to explore new territories in filmmaking.

The Transition Beyond Hero Roles

He has already begun making selective choices about his projects. He shared that during the promotion of his last film, Max, which was released on December 25, 2024, he reflected on his long-term vision for his career. At that time, he envisioned himself as a leading man for several more years. However, over the next 18 months, he now plans to work on only two films, carefully choosing projects that allow him to explore new genres. “The ones I give up on are not bad; it’s about what I want to do at this point of time.”