Gulshan Grover: Villains Are Back, Differently

Actor Gulshan Grover discussed the evolution of crime storytelling in Hindi cinema, emphasizing that change is a constant across all aspects of life. He advocates for adapting to new trends rather than clinging to outdated perspectives. Grover observed that many past styles, including fashion like bell-bottoms and musical remakes, are making a comeback.

He recalled a dinner conversation where Shatrughan Sinha expressed regret that Grover hadn't been cast as Rehman Dakait in the film Dhurandhar, a role originally played by Akshaye Khanna. Grover agreed with Sinha's sentiment, suggesting that audiences might also have favored his involvement.

Grover posited that the perceived absence of classic, fear-inducing antagonists stems from real-world societal shifts, not a lack of creative talent. He believes that as such extreme personalities become rarer in reality, their representation in films also diminishes.

However, Grover highlighted that dark, layered crime narratives continue to exist, citing his upcoming series Matka King as an example. He feels that modern filmmakers, like those involved with Matka King, are effectively bringing back the essence of such crime stories in new and engaging forms, catering to audiences who appreciate that specific genre.