Actor Chirag Jani, known for his roles in Tamil cinema, is gearing up for a powerful historical portrayal in the upcoming film Draupathi 2. He will be seen as the antagonist, Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq, in director Mohan G's period drama. In an exclusive conversation, the actor opened up about the extensive physical and mental preparation he undertook to bring this complex historical figure to life.
Embracing the Physical Demands of a Sultan
Chirag Jani revealed that his role required a significant commitment to mastering new skills. Since the narrative revolves around the true historical conflict between Muhammad bin Tughlaq and King Veera Vallala III of the Hoysala dynasty, authenticity was paramount. The actor dedicated himself to learning horse riding and sword fighting specifically for this part. Adding to the challenge were the heavy, elaborate costumes typical of a period film set. Jani described the entire experience as both demanding and enjoyable, a unique journey into the skin of the 14th-century ruler.
Forging an Original Path Beyond Past Portrayals
A key concern for Chirag was to ensure his depiction of the Sultan stood apart from previous iconic portrayals of similar characters in Indian cinema. He consciously avoided drawing parallels or attempting to replicate performances like Ranveer Singh's Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat or Akshaye Khanna's Aurangzeb in Chhaava. Instead, his process was rooted in historical research. He delved into accounts that painted Muhammad bin Tughlaq as a ruler with contradictory traits—capable of kindness yet also capable of ruthlessness. This research helped him map the multiple dimensions and emotional graphs of the character, aiming for a fresh interpretation.
Navigating the Challenges of Villainy and Versatility
Playing an antagonist came with its own set of emotional hurdles. Chirag admitted that certain scenes in Draupathi 2 required him to enact acts of extreme cruelty, which made him uncomfortable during filming. However, he emphasized an actor's duty to embody the role faithfully, regardless of its moral alignment. Looking beyond this project, Chirag Jani expressed a strong desire to avoid being stereotyped as a one-note villain. He aspires to be a versatile character artiste in the mould of Prakash Raj, capable of seamlessly transitioning between supporting roles, comedy, and action. His goal is to explore a wide range of characters, proving his mettle beyond the confines of a typical antagonist.
With Draupathi 2, Chirag Jani is not just stepping into a heavy costume; he is stepping into a pivotal role that could redefine his career trajectory in the Indian film industry.
