The Kannada actor is debuting in Telugu as a factionist with this Balakrishna-starrer directed by Gopichand Malineni.
Published Jan 09, 2023 | 2:33 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 09, 2023 | 2:33 PM
Kannada actor Duniya is debuting in Telugu with Balakrishna's 'Vijay Veera Simha Reddy'. (OfficialViji/Twitter)
In a career spanning 15 years, BR Vijay aka “Duniya” Vijay did small and insignificant roles to reach a point where roles are written with him in mind.
The Kannada actor, in a freewheeling chat with South First, revealed that he received many offers but was waiting for the right script. And guess what? Balakrishna’s Veera Simha Reddy marks his debut in the Telugu film industry.
Born and raised in Anekal, on the border of Karnataka, Duniya Vijay settled down in Bengaluru in later years. He staged dramas with the entire family for a year.
At the end of the harvesting season, when farmers relax and rest, Vijay would perform on the stage. People from the neighbouring villages used to make a beeline to get entertained.
Duniya Vijay was offered Jr NTR’s Luva Kusa (Telugu) but he couldn’t make it due to date issues. But, this time, everything fell into place and the actor is all set to play head of a family caught up in a feud in Veera Simha Reddy. Excerpts from the interview:
Q. How did you bag the antagonist role in Veera Simha Reddy?
Duniya Vijay is playing a factionist in ‘Veera Siha Reddy’. (OfficialViji/Twitter)
A. When I was offered the role, I knew that this was it. Balakrishna being the hero has many advantages. There is a mass connection and visibility. Besides, it is a Pongal release.
Further, the role etched out for me was something I couldn’t refuse. I play a villain.
I agree this seems like a regular, commercial story. People watched all sorts of films in all languages on OTT platforms during the Covid lockdowns. But then, a mass film like Veera Simha Reddy is coming after a long gap.
The story has emotions aplenty. The movie has its share of plus points and an eclectic casting.
I always wanted to do a role that would showcase my acting skills and prove me as a performer. I’m glad that this character came my way.
The most awaited #VeeraSimhaReddy is all set to hit your nearest theatres on 12th January.#NandamuriBalakrishna @megopichand @RishiPunjabi5 pic.twitter.com/TWJ0dy98gs
— Duniya Vijay (@OfficialViji) December 3, 2022
Q. Is this a period story? What is your footage in the story?
A. Yes, it is. If your focus is only on the hero and he is the only priority, there will be only hero worship.
However, director Gopichand Malineni portrayed the characters really well. He designed all the characters neatly and justified their presence through balanced footage and emotions. If all the roles are engaging, the audience will watch the movie seriously.
Undoubtedly, the protagonist has to be established but not without undermining the importance of the other artists. That is the speciality of Gopichand.
People will see me as a villain set against a period “faction backdrop. Veera Simha Reddy will create interest in the audience.
Kannada actor Duniya Vijay. (OfficialViji/Twitter)
Q. Several films are releasing this Pongal. Which one will be the winner?
A. I believe in fate and it was God’s calling that I am here.
I am a spiritual person and I believe that I could achieve whatever I could because of my mother’s prayers. She is no more, but I can feel her presence and her prayers with me always.
Q. Did Puneeth Rajkumar leave a vacuum in the Kannada film industry?
A. Puneeth Rajkumar may not be here physically, but emotionally he is here with all of us.
He was an ultimate personality, and we fall short of words to describe him, his life and what he did for people. He was a good Samaritan and a great friend. He, obviously, left a vacuum in the industry.
Q. Rishab Shetty stated he will not direct a film in a language other than Kannada. What’s your take on it?
A. Rishab Shetty, as a director and hero, did a wonderful job in Kantara. I cannot say if films rooted in culture will always work.
There is no successful formula and we have to keep trying. If a film is successful, it will fly everywhere, just like KGF and Kantara.
Of late, people are open to all kinds of cinema. Audiences from any part of the world are encouraging artists and technicians as they are watching films with subtitles. So, there is nothing wrong with Rishab expressing his opinion.
Moreover, films will be dubbed and watched in all languages. Emotion is primary and it transcends barriers.
With @megopichand #nbk107 #vk pic.twitter.com/QV2A5QAxuq
— Duniya Vijay (@OfficialViji) November 8, 2022
Q. Tell us about your family.
Duniya Vijay on the sets of his film ‘Bheema’. (OfficialViji/Twitter)
A. My parents love me very much. They would take me to cinemas when I was young and that left an indelible impression on my mind. We learn from each other, every day.
I consider the film industry and my life as a university where we meet people and learn new things. I want to learn till my last breath.
When I came here, I knew nothing; but today, I know where I stand in this industry. I have been a great follower of Rajinikanth. In my 20s, I went in search of him.
I worked as a cleaner-cum-supplier in a restaurant to eke out a living. After 25 days, I went to meet Rajinikanth. Since he wasn’t available, I stood in front of his house just to grab his attention.
It was then that I decided to do something and make a mark for myself. I wanted to achieve something before meeting him. I came back, struggled and then did Duniya. My dream came true when Rajinikanth appreciated the film and we met up.
Life throws up a lot of surprises, but we shouldn’t stop working hard!
