Hrithik Roshan is making his long-awaited return to the big screen. The forthcoming Vikram Vedha will be his first release in over three years. A lot has changed in the industry since then, but a lot has remained the same, including the fact that a Hrithik Roshan film still generates a tremendous amount of buzz. Before the film’s release, Hrithik spoke to the media in Delhi about its expectations, his “comeback,” and why he has been selective throughout his career.
Vikram Vedha is a remake of the 2017 Tamil film of the same name directed by Pushkar and Gayathri and starring R Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi. The same director duo also helmed the remake, and ever since the teaser was released, comparisons have been made. Hrithik’s response to Hindustan Times regarding this is almost zen-like. He says, “I can’t do anything,” and adds, “I’ve already done my part.” Only doing my best is within my control. That is it. There is a daily prayer I recite: “Grant me the courage to change what I can, the serenity to accept what I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference. “Once I know this, I will be happy.”
He adds, however, that he is certain he will be unable to replicate Vijay Sethupathi’s portrayal of the character in the original film. “I am aware of how magnificently Vijay Sethupathi played the same role. Even in my wildest dreams, I cannot imagine reaching that level. Still, I am pleased with what I have accomplished as I have done my best,” says Hrithik.
The actor clarifies that his admiration for Vijay’s skill and performance did not influence how he approached the role. Regarding the original, he states, “When approaching a character, one cannot simply repeat what has already been done. If you believe, “He did it, so I will do it too,” that is not a very intelligent approach. Recognizing that every person is unique is the most straightforward approach. Therefore, if I approach this from my perspective, it will automatically be different, original, and sincere.”
War was Hrithik’s most recent film before Vikram Vedha, which was released in October 2019. Has the nearly three-year gap between films made Hrithik more anxious about the outcome of this one? There have been numerous films for which I felt extremely confident at the time of their release because I already knew what audiences would think. This time, I am anxious because I wish for success. “I believe this is a phenomenal film,” he says.
War, like Vikram Vedha, featured two protagonists, including Tiger Shroff. Hrithik asserts that he craves sharing the limelight, contrary to the reluctance of many prominent celebrities. “I get very excited, to be completely honest. I adore directing two-hero or ensemble films. A film about a lone hero is incredibly lonely. He says with a laugh, “I like having someone around.”
In a career spanning more than two decades, Hrithik has only starred in 25 films as the main character. His contemporaries have typically been more prolific. Hrithik attributes this selectivity to laziness. He explains, “For me, it’s simple. I only participate in films to which I cannot say no. When I hear a script, I will generally attempt to say no. However, if I cannot, I do it. I am a very lazy individual. I do not desire to act. Mujhe Karni hi nahin films, but the film to which I cannot say no is the one I make. Something must come together.”
Pushka-Vikram Gayathri’s Vedha also features Radhika Apte, Yogita Bihani, Rohit Saraf, and Sharib Hashmi. The movie will come out in theatres on September 30.
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