IC 814's Vijay Varma says playing positive roles isn’t a conscious decision: ‘Not attached to negative or positive’ – Exclusive

Bollywood actor Vijay is soon going to be seen in Anubhav Sinha directed series IC814: The Kandahar Hijack. The actor will be seen playing the role of Captain Sharan in the upcoming series.

In an exclusive conversation with MoneyControl, Vijay revealed the real reason for saying yes to this role.

Working alongside the "avengers of the cast," which include seasoned performers Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Kanwaljit, and Arvind Swamy, is something Vijay said he didn't want to miss.

“It was it was a new experience, but at the same time, I knew this was probably the avengers of a cast that I can hope for in my life. It's happened. And, you know, just to be in that painting with these stalwarts was the reason enough to jump onto it. I don't think there can be a cast like this. And then again, it's not possible. It takes Anubhav Sinha and a story like this to make it happen,” he told us.

Vijay plays the role of pilot of the ill-fated flight which was hijacked enroute from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, on Friday, 24 December 1999. Vijay discussed the difficulties he had filming the series while confined to the cockpit. He stated that he primarily shot his scenes in front of a green screen and that he spoke with director Anubhav on a walkie-talkie all the time to get cues.

“It was a bit it was restrictive, but I often find that certain kind of restrictions only help you find new, avenues, within yourself. So, it was actually a learning experience, and it was a great deal of imagination exercise for me to create everything, in front of me on the green screen. Hopefully, it'll be seen on my face when you watch it. I think first or second day, I figured out this, communication is going to be a bit, problematic, when you were filming. And I realised that I need to have a direct access with Anubhav sir, so I kept on walkie talkie with just the 2 of us. So, I would, bother him with all my questions, if I had any thoughts or if I have any queries, I would ask him on that particular channel that was just for him and me,” he added.

Vijay jokingly referred to director Anubhav Siha as his ATC during the entire IC814 filming. “And, so it was actually, like, he (Anubhav Sinha) was my ATC. I was the pilot. And, we were able to do this very efficiently since, the advent of bringing in that walkie talkie, just 2 persons walkie talkie. In fact, a lot of other co-actors were making fun of this, especially the actors who play hijackers were abusing my privilege of using that walkie talkie and some were singing songs in it for our work,” he laughed as he told us about the entire shoot scenario.

Actor-comedian Rajeev Thakur will be seen as one of the hijackers in the series and Vijay said it was fun to have him on the sets.

During the stressful filming, Vijay claimed that Rajeev would imitate famous actors and make everyone laugh aloud whenever he needed a break.

“We have some lovely actors who are playing the hijackers. Like Rajeev Thakur from hijackers, he kept the environment light. Like, he just has a way of saying things that makes people laugh. So, every time he I needed a bit of a, lighter moment for myself in the middle of all night, and chaos, he would just go up and he would, see the dialogues in Dara Singh's voice. And you would ask him to do it in several voices. He would say dialogues in Dharmendra’s voice. It was just a fun exercise for people to not get crazy in the cockpit,” he added.

With his negative portrayals in Mirzapur Seasons 1-3, Darlings opposite Alia Bhatt, and Dahaad, to mention a few, Vijay Varma has previously impressed all.

ALSO READ: Vijay Varma celebrates Mirzapur 3 success with a special gift, deets inside

The actor has performed in a number of endearing and good parts recently, including Jaan-e-Mann, in which he played a police officer, and Murder Mubarak. When questioned about whether moving was a conscious choice, Vijay said: “Nahi yeh directors aa jaate hai acche se roles leke, koi bolta hai yeh banjao koi bolta hai woh ban jao, main toh ready hu kuch bhi banne k liye as long I have something to bite on, and some creative energy to explore on. But, it's not really I don't know what is going to come next. I'm working on Matka King right now as of now, to that. I'm not attached to negative or positive. I'm attached to being an artist,” he said.

ALSO READ: Vijay Varma shares pictures with real-life Captain Devi Sharan with a heartfelt note

In the limited Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swami, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, and Kumud Mishra are also featured in pivotal roles.

The series is going to premiere on August 29.