Italian
Vijay Varma rides a wave of success: from digital hits to aviation drama
Indian film star Vijay Varma is experiencing a meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. With prominent lead roles in several high-profile streaming projects this year, Varma is solidifying his status as one of the most sought-after actors in India. He has recently been seen in the hijacking drama IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack for Netflix, the beloved series Mirzapur on Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar’s Murder Mubarak.
Diverse projects and a poetic journey
Varma recently completed filming on Ul Jalool Ishq, a poetic drama directed by Vibhu Puri and co-starring the legendary Naseeruddin Shah. The story revolves around an Urdu letterpress owner in search of a reclusive poet. According to Varma, it’s a deeply intimate narrative about a man clinging to his roots despite the modern world’s challenges. “It’s a beautiful, intimate story between one person who runs a barely surviving Urdu press and he wants to desperately hold on to this letterpress, but nothing is getting printed anymore in Urdu,” Varma reveals.
Currently, Varma is filming Matka King, an original Prime Video series set in the 1960s and 70s, directed by Nagraj Manjule. This gripping series explores the rise of a unique business venture and an individual who capitalizes on a loophole within the system to amass wealth. “We are 30%, 40% through right now, and we will be shooting till the end of December,” Varma shares excitedly.
An evolving career: from indie films to streaming hits
Varma’s noteworthy year follows more than a decade of consistent work in indie films and streaming platforms. His debut film Monsoon Shootout (2013), directed by Amit Kumar, made its premiere at Cannes. Reflecting on his first red carpet experience, Varma recalls, “My first red carpet that I ever walked in my life as an actor was for Cannes.”
His international exposure broadened with films like Nandita Das’ Manto (2018) and Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy (2019), which were showcased at both Cannes and Berlin festivals. The transition to streaming platforms proved to be a game-changer for Varma, with hits like Darlings (2022) and Jaane Jaan (2023) on Netflix, and Prime Video’s Dahaad (2023) and Mirzapur gaining massive viewership.
Aviation drama and breaking typecast
IC 814 marks a significant shift for Varma, portraying him as the heroic pilot of a hijacked plane, a stark contrast to his usual morally complex characters. “For somebody to imagine me in such a noble and righteous and heroic framework was very tempting,” he says. To prepare for this role, Varma immersed himself in aviation techniques. “I enjoyed the love that I had as a young boy for aviation, and just to be in the flight simulation center, getting my hands on the simulator to understand various mechanics was fascinating,” he notes.
Additionally, Varma also connected with the real-life captain who inspired his character. “The best thing that happened was when I received a phone call from him after he watched the show, and he said he was mighty impressed,” Varma recounts fondly. This personal connection added a layer of authenticity to Varma’s performance.
The impact of streaming platforms
Varma attributes his success to the rise of streaming platforms, which have allowed for more unconventional and intellectually engaging storytelling. “They are not considering their audience to be stupid,” Varma observes, emphasizing that these platforms respect the intelligence and sophistication of their viewers. He notes that Indian audiences are now more eager for fresh narratives and perspectives, often receiving feedback from viewers who typically avoid mainstream Bollywood but enjoy his work.
Expanding horizons and future aspirations
IC 814 has added a new dimension to Varma’s appeal, reaching beyond traditional Bollywood audiences. His portrayal of an aviation hero has garnered him recognition within the global aviation community, with entire flight crews now eager to meet him at airports. With his career firmly on the ascent, Varma is now looking at opportunities in international markets. He is particularly excited about “color-blind casting,” which has seen Indian actors like Ishaan Khatter and Ali Fazal take on roles that aren’t explicitly written for South Asian performers.
Varma believes this trend signifies an increasing acceptance of Indian diaspora actors in diverse roles by international producers and directors. “It’s a very lucrative time,” he observes, planning to dedicate next year to exploring these new opportunities abroad.
For now, Varma remains focused on selecting challenging roles that resonate with discerning audiences. His journey reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, staying true to his craft, and continuously evolving as an actor.
Stay engaged with this fascinating journey by sharing this article on social media and keep following for more updates on the most interesting stories in entertainment.
