Exclusive! Bharat Bopanna is the main antagonist in AL Vijay’s Arun Vijay-Amy Jackson film

A few years ago, Brahmagantu actor Bharat Bopanna was on the set of the Kannada daily soap when he got a call to audition for a film by Tamil filmmaker AL Vijay. However, after the audition, the actor could not take it up due to reasons that were beyond his control, an opportunity that he regrets missing out on. But as luck would have it, Vijay did not forget Bharat and when he was planning his latest, Achcham Enbathu Illay, he called the actor again. “I was beyond thrilled when I was approached for the role. I’m also immensely grateful to Vijay sir for considering me for it, even though we have not been in touch in the time since my first audition,” says the actor.

The role, which marks Bharat Kollywood debut, is also why his social media profile these days is either of pictures taken in London or of him in intense physical work outs or martial arts training. “Last month, we shot for the first schedule of the film in London. I am the main antagonist in the film, a role that will literally make audiences hate me. It’s a very well-written character,” says Bharat, adding that he’s been prepping for the film’s upcoming action sequences. Achcham Enbathu Illay, adds Bharat, gives him a role that allows him ample scope as a performer, which makes it all the more exciting as a launchpad in a different industry. “I am quite confident that I will be noticed and remembered once the film comes out,” he says.

Meanwhile, back home, Bharat, who gave up on a promising career in TV to focus on cinema, will next be seen in the biopic of Padma Shri Vijay Sankeshwar, the founder of one of India’s largest logistics companies, VRL Transport. “I play Vijay’s son, Anand Sankeshwar, who is the MD of the family’s transport and media businesses in the biopic Vijayanand. Although the role is limited, as the story focuses predominantly on Vijay’s early days, from owning just one truck to making it a fleet of over 5,000 vehicles, it was immensely satisfying to be in this inspiring tale. The film was mostly shot in Hubballi, where their business is headquartered. The film, which is releasing in theatres on December 9, has an ensemble cast including Anant Nag sir, Ravichandran sir, Shine Shetty, Siri Prahlad, among others, which made the shooting quite a learning experience as well,” says Bharat.

He will also be seen in a rural subject called Chikkiya Mooguthi, directed by Devika Janitri. “The film, which deals with female infanticide and child marriage, among others, has Shwetha Srivatsav in the lead. It is based on Devika Janitri. I play a wildlife photographer in the film, which is still under production,” he says.