Arjun Rampal continues to choose roles that explore deep and complex emotions. In ‘Rana Naidu Season 2’, he delivers a powerful performance as Rauf, blending menace with humanity. Rampal also highlights Bollywood’s growing trend toward darker, more intricate characters—an artistic direction he fully embraces.Evolution of Villains and Anti-Heroes in BollywoodSpeaking to Moneycontrol.com, Arjun observes a clear evolution in Bollywood’s portrayal of villains and anti-heroes. He notes that only a select few actors have taken on these darker roles, but those who have explored anti-heroes or dark characters have been extremely successful. He highlights ‘Animal’ as a standout example, saying, “Take Animal, for example—how successful was that? Ranbir was fantastic in it.”From One-Dimensional Villains to Complex CharactersThe actor points to a notable evolution in Hindi films, where villains are no longer just simple obstacles for the hero. Instead, they are portrayed as complex individuals with emotions, histories, and reasons behind their actions. This shift makes them more relatable and captivating, moving beyond the traditional “evil” stereotype.Opportunities and Challenges in Portraying Dark RolesRampal also observes that while some are doing it really well, others maybe need to do it a bit better. He remains optimistic that filmmakers will keep pushing boundaries and provide actors with opportunities to take on such challenging roles. According to him, this not only excites audiences but also allows actors to grow and test their limits.Rampal’s Commitment to Morally Ambiguous CharactersWhether playing a multifaceted gangster in ‘Daddy’ or his recent role in ‘Rana Naidu’, Rampal gravitates toward morally ambiguous roles. Reportedly, with ten upcoming projects—including intense dramas, suspense thrillers, and experimental films—he’s committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
