Two weeks since the release of Vikramaditya Motwane’s Bhavesh Joshi Superstar and Priyanshu Painyuli, who played the titular character in the vigilante film, says a lot has changed in this time. Over an email, the actor talks about future films, his acting career and more. Excerpts:
Your performance has received a lot of positive feedback since its release, garnering you a lot of attention. How much has changed since the film’s release?
I am a lot more busy on my phone. It’s been overwhelming and I’ve just begun to come to terms with the positive reactions. It is a great feeling to be appreciated for my performance and the fact that I have connected with the audience emotionally. But life has been the same otherwise. A lot of people from the industry have finally started to take me seriously.
A lot of people still assume that Bhavesh Joshi is Harshvardhan Kapoor’s title in the film... What were your thoughts when you were pitched the titular role in a Vikramaditya Motwane film?
It was an unbelievable feeling because I am a big fan of his films. He is one our best directors.
Bhavesh is a part of the title because it is one the most common names. It means that anyone can become a Bhavesh. My idea was to become a common man but at the same time become a good citizen who can inspire others. So for me, I think there was pressure to perform initially if I have to play this part. But it was important as an actor to play this but when I synced with Motwane and understood what he wanted we gelled very well together.
As a director who has switched genres so easily, is there one film of Motwane’s that is your favourite?
I love all of his films including his fourth, which is Bhavesh Joshi . I can’t pick a favourite because all three are different. But I love Trapped because it is about just one person set in one house and it was still so engaging that it made me feel trapped while watching it.
What was your background before you got into acting?
My background in acting started with theatre when I was growing up in Bangalore. I have also tried to become part of a professional theatre group. I have also dabbled with digital filmmaking, news reporting, advertising and docuementary filmmaking.
I then shifted to Mumbai and focused on trying to get more stage work. I got in touch with Rajit Kapur, who was more like a mentor and I started working with him by doing backstage production for RAGE. I was also part of a world music touring show called Taj Express that was created by Vaibhavi and Shruti Merchant. Then there were lots of audition calls as people had seen my plays and I was called for ads and then film tests. I worked on a web series called Bang Baaja Baaraat and then I joined films with Rock On 2 .
Personally, are you into superhero films? If so, are you a DC man or a Marvel fan?
I am totally a superhero fan and I keep watching trailers and follow many franchises. I am more of a Marvel fan. I like DC, of course for Batman and Joker, but Marvel is something I enjoy watching because they build up the character so well. My favourite superhero of all time is Logan-The Wolverine.
What are some of the films that you’re working on currently?
I am in talks for a couple of them but there is an Indo-German film that I am waiting for which stars Shefali Shah, Neerja Kabi and Rasika Dugal. It is a nice, sweet film about Mumbai. I have also done a web series which should launch his year. I think the Southern industries have some great stories. If there is a great story and a great character to play, I would love to do South Indian films as well.
