- India
- International
After the release of ‘Tum Kya Mile,’ the quintessential Karan Johar-style love song in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, a Twitter user remarked, “Ranveer can never do soft romance.” This comment made me wonder whether people have forgotten about the captivating young man who confessed his love to a girl after destroying her entire life, consequently shattering his own. Varun Srivastav’s character in Lootera was so complex and yet so poetic, and Ranveer Singh breathed life into him.
At a time when the Hindi film industry is struggling to produce compelling love stories and resorting to stereotypical narratives like Tu Jhooti Main Makkaar and Satyaprem Ki Katha, Lootera stands apart as a film from a different era, much like Ranveer Singh himself. The actor, known for his vibrant persona, seems to be getting lost amidst the loud music, almost as if he is trying to communicate with us but his voice is drowned out by the blaring speakers he carries. It is only when we sit down to watch films such as Lootera that we truly see him, hear him and connect with him.
Varun in Lootera wasn’t an easy character to fall for. Simply put, he was a thug who wreaked havoc in the life of his lover Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha). He looted her father, cut short his lifespan, and brought Pakhi closer to death. How does one make the audience fall in love with such a character? Yet, Ranveer managed to do so. He didn’t merely play Varun as a character on paper, he embodied him, making him an intrinsic part of his being.
Ranveer’s Varun was romantic, charming, classy, and sensitive all at once, yet he also exuded an air of mystery that left us doubting his intentions while simultaneously swooning over his charisma. The transformation in Ranveer’s personality while portraying Varun is evident — the stillness in his demeanour, the softness of his voice, the pain in his eyes. Even in moments of anger, when Pakhi confronts him and demands a confession of his love, he stands resolute, gazing at her with helplessness, allowing his eyes and expressions to convey his emotions. It’s like watching Ranveer at 0.5x speed, meticulously displaying each emotion, providing the audience with ample time to absorb the contrasting beauty of his character.
Like a fine wine, Lootera has aged well (the film recently completed its 10th anniversary on July 5). Ranveer, after playing a wide spectrum of characters, is at crossroads in his own career. He has shown his potential in films like Lootera, 83, Gully Boy, and Padmaavat.
It’s not the sculpted physique of Simmba or the electrifying Roy of Cirkus that we remember. Instead, we vividly recall the fall of a young man who sought to save the life of his love by preserving the last leaf. As Ranveer celebrates his 37th birthday today, perhaps it’s time for him to revisit his characters and choose roles that cater to his sensitivity and truly deserve his potential.
Click for more updates and latest Bollywood news along with Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at The Indian Express.