Ram Gopal Varma, known for his outspoken nature, has once again stirred controversy with his latest remarks. This time, the filmmaker has openly questioned superstar Rajinikanth acting abilities, asserting that the Tamil cinema icon wouldn’t be able to portray the legendary character of Bhikhu Mhatre.
In an interview, Ram Gopal Varma elaborated on his perspective, drawing a sharp distinction between acting and star power. “Acting is about a character; a star is about a performance. And there is a lot of difference between the two. Is Rajinikanth a good actor? I don’t know. I don’t think Rajinikanth can do a Bhikhu Mhatre,” he remarked. He went on to say that Rajinikanth’s appeal lies in his on-screen presence rather than his acting range. “With Rajinikanth, you only want to see him like that. Without slow motion, I don’t know if Rajinikanth can exist. You don’t mind seeing Rajinikanth walking in slow motion for half of the film without doing anything. It gives you a high.”
The role of Bhikhu Mhatre, originally played by Manoj Bajpayee in Satya, is considered one of the most iconic performances in Indian cinema. The 1998 crime drama, directed by Varma, delved deep into the underworld of Mumbai and became a cult classic. It was also the first installment in his famous gangster trilogy, winning numerous accolades over the years.
Adding to the nostalgia, Satya made its grand return to theaters on January 17, 2025, allowing a new generation of audiences to experience its gripping storytelling on the big screen once again. Ram Gopal Varma comments have sparked fresh debates in the industry, with fans and critics divided over his take on Rajinikanth versatility as an actor.
