Raazi actor Ashwath Bhatt to step into Telugu cinema with Dulquer Salmaan's film

National School of Drama graduate Ashwath Bhatt, who has featured in major Hindi films like Haider, Raazi, Kesari, Raaz Reboot, Manto, and 99 Songs, is charged up to foray into Telugu cinema. He has bagged the role of an antagonist in Hanu Raghavapudi’s upcoming film that stars Dulquer Salman and Mrunal Thakur in the lead.

The film marks his first collaboration with Mammootty’s son Dulquer Salman while he has worked with Mammootty in the 2014 Malayalam film Gangster. “I was joking on sets that my characters in both films met the same fate, thanks to the father-son duo,” added the Leila actor in good humour.

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In the 13 years of his career so far, Ashwath has played diverse roles, from that of a terrorist to a patriotic military officer and hopes to be able to up his acting game with the film. “I never want to be placed in a box. I always look for versatility,” said the actor, adding that a character has to make him feel ‘nervous’ to be worth it. While he has had offers coming his way from Telugu filmmakers, it was this film that made him feel that he could bring out his skills as an actor. He also said that he plays a character from a ‘whole different age group,’ and it would be difficult to recognise him in the film. His character speaks in Hindustani, though the actor can speak Telugu.

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The actor will soon travel to Himachal Pradesh to shoot for the as-of-yet untitled film.

Praising the director, Ashwath said that he is ‘open to suggestions’ and grants actors the freedom to act it out their way. He also shared his thoughts on shooting with Dulquer Salman, stating that it was ‘absolute fun’, just like with his father Mammootty. The actor, who is working for the first time with Toofan actor Mrunal Thakur, praised the crew, describing them as ‘fantastic.’ 

The plot of the film is set against a war in Kashmir. 

Dulquer Salman plays the role of Lieutenant Ram in the movie while Mrunal, who is also making her debut in Telugu cinema with this film, plays the role of Sita.

More details on the much-awaited film are not yet out.