Prakash Varma, the 52-year-old veteran Indian ad filmmaker best recognized for his avant-garde commercials, has dramatically changed roles on-screen — this time, the role of a villain in Mohanlal’s box office smash hit crime thriller Thudarum. The film, which has joined the Rs 2 billion club recently overseas, not only managed to enthral people but also represented Varma’s impressive entry into feature films.
In an exclusive interview, Varma shared that playing opposite Mohanlal, affectionately known as “Lalettan,” was a dream come true. “Watching him act is like being present for a masterclass in spontaneity and effortless,” he told the interviewer, marveling at the veteran actor’s skill of elevating each scene with elegance and charm.
Most famously associated with directing ads such as the Vodafone ZooZoo series, Varma’s transition from ad direction to high-octane drama was a risk well worth taking. He features as a complex villain whose chilling placidity leaves a lasting impression on viewers — a far cry from the lighthearted realm of ad films.
Varma is now set to venture further into cinematic performances, describing his Thudarum experience as “unexpected, enriching, and creatively addictive.” For fans, they can’t wait to know what this multi-talented artist does next on the big screen.
