I want to break this image: Dulquer Salmaan

Dulquer Salmaan who has smoothly played the romantic hero to the hilt suddenly declares one fine morning that he will no longer be part of romantic films. And ironically this was announced just before the release of his Telugu romantic period drama, ‘Sita Ramam.’ The film will be released on August 5^th in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. We caught up with the actor to know more about his latest release and his plan of action in Malayalam.

Why did you say that you won’t be doing any more romantic hero roles?
During the initial days of my career, I was boxed in urban/NRI characters. Later it became romantic hero roles. Somehow I have always had such taglines. I am not interested in getting stuck in an image. That’s why I decided to give romantic roles a break for a while.

I am keen on doing unpredictable roles, and that includes characters with negative shades. In my upcoming films, I am doing such roles. It’s only when I challenge the actor in me that I will feel like I have done something. Having said that if a mature love story comes my way after a while, I might do it.

Tell us about Sita Ramam
I first heard the story of ‘Sita Ramam’ in 2019. We slogged 13 months for this film. It’s a big film and we travelled from Hyderabad to Kashmir for the shooting.

You are doing back-to-back films in other languages. When can we see you in Malayalam now?
My next two films are in Malayalam. The first one is a smaller film, with some humour and all. We haven’t named it yet. Then comes ‘King of Kotha’. The film’s casting process is going on. There is also a Hindi film awaiting release.

There is also a web series coming up. How did that happen?
The shooting of ‘Guns and Gulaabs’ that also features Rajkumar Rao, and Adarsh Gaurav is over. It has been dubbed in several languages and subtitled in over 200 languages. It will be released earlier next year.

You have started production and distribution. What’s the advantage?
I had the fortune to work with good producers. But there have been missteps too. It can be in the marketing or releasing films hastily, without any preparation. I started production with the intention of doing the right marketing, picking release dates, and budgeting the way I wanted.  

What’s your concept of Pan Indian cinema?
Just the term Pan Indian cinema itself is strange. That’s not something new. Even before, our cinema has reached other languages. Lal Uncle and my father have done that before. I have never really thought of cinema as Pan Indian. I like to do films in other languages. I am just looking to experience new things and the new generation will get that.

When can we expect a film with your father?
There is absolutely no point in asking me this question. Please ask Vappachi. Since I am really interested I have given him some hints regarding this. But the answer is always— “Right now you do your thing, and I will do mine”