The adage ‘Nothing is what it seems’ applies to director Ram Gopal Varma’s hit franchise Sarkar.
Often touted as India’s indigenous version of the mobster classic Godfather, the third instalment starring Amitabh Bachchan as the influential political leader from Maharashtra, is ready to be rolled out in the UAE on May 11th.
“Everybody wants something from somebody in this film,” said Yami Gautam, who has joined the third part.
Parag Tyagi, Amitabh Bachchan and Ronit Roy in ‘Sarkar 3’.
The Sarkar franchise, whose original released in 2005 followed by its sequel in 2008, dwells into the world of a political dynasty spearheaded by Subhash Nagare, popularly known as Sarkar, who believes in his own brand of justice. A formidable presence, he’s the quintessential people’s leader who orders his henchmen to murder a rapist when a hapless father begs Sarkar to punish the criminal.
The series is punctuated by a web of family ties, loyalty, betrayal, deception and intrigue. While the legendary actor Bachchan — constantly glowering in his black tunic, beaded chain and the red mark on his forehead — is a constant fixture in the Sarkar series, the supporting players have changed in every chapter.
Young actors Yami Gautam and Amit Sadh have joined the vast Sarkar 3 cast.
While Bachchan is expected to retain the spotlight in his titular role, the new players have a few tricks up their sleeve too. Gautam, who was last seen as a rape survivor in the revenge drama Kaabil, has gone rogue in this one. And Sadh, who was Bachchan’s recommendation, has a few surprises too.
tabloid! Gulf News caught up with the fresh talents in Sarkar 3 over the telephone to find out how they got along in Sarkar’s sepia-toned sinister world...
MEET THE YOUNG GUNS IN SARKAR 3...
Who: Amit Sadh
You know him from: Kai Po Che! and Running Shaadi
His role in Sarkar 3: Shivaji Nagre, Sarkar’s grandson, also known as Cheeku.
What you should know about him: Just like his slain father, he’s volatile and aggressive.
Sadh on his role: “This is a big role and a big film. I have struggled for so long to get grey parts. Aggression, anger and their motives are often misunderstood by people. Cheeku’s father was killed and he’s dealing with his demons from the past. Now that he’s an adult, he feels it’s his time in the world and he’s looking to channelise all that anger. His arrogance stems from having have a grandfather who has the world at this feet. My character deals with all those emotions in an interesting way.”
His thoughts on being directed by maverick filmmaker Varma: “He’s like a nagging wife who meddles [with] your heard. He’s always speaking to you about your role and soon without realising you get the pulse of your role. He had a huge effect on how I played my character.”
His experience of working with Bachchan: “I was taken by surprise when I learnt that he recommended me for this role. I knew I couldn’t let him down or his recommendation go waste. Acting with him was the biggest opportunity of my life. It’s not easy to get parts in our industry and when you are working some like him, then every second is a learning experience. Even the way in which he walked in on the sets was intriguing. He used to walk in like Subhash Nagre. And by default, I felt like I am his extension and he helped me pick up that formidable vibe. Going on the filming sets every day with actors like him, Jackie Shroff and Manoj Bajpayee was like going to Disneyland.”
His go-to line from Sarkar 3: “Just don’t forget whose grandson I am.” and “The need of the hour is unity and great stuff can happen only when we come together as one unit. We need more togetherness.”
Who: Yami Gautam
You know her from: Vicky Donor and Kaabil
Her role in Sarkar 3: Anu, who’s seeking to avenge her father’s killers. She wants Sarkar dead at any cost.
What you should know about her: She weighs her words, but is happy to pick up a gun and demolish her enemies.
Gautam on her role: “I play Anu who wants to avenge her father’s death. He was killed by Sarkar and she wants to somehow meander her way into his inner circle. Her dad was into construction and her world collapses after his death. She’s not a professional shooter, but she won’t hesitate to pick up a gun and shoot down her enemies. She wasn’t raised in a violent atmosphere, but she enters this zone where she’s seeking revenge. She’s determined and her silence speaks a lot. It was refreshing to play a role that was grey. Anu is an essential link to carry the Sarkar 3 story forward. She’s not some plain Jane. It’s not often in my career that I get to play a role which isn’t negative but has shades of grey.”
Her thoughts on being directed by maverick filmmaker Varma: “He didn’t want me to be over-prepared. He’s somebody who goes by instincts. When I told him that I had never seen a gun in real life, he asked me to just come on the sets. He has this habit of saying ‘OK’ after my shots and that’s it. So when I asked him if everything was good, he said his OK is excellent.”
Her experience of working with Bachchan: “Not many of us have had the privilege of sharing the screen with him. But we met a lot during the promotions of this film. But I had a fan girl moment when I met him. I had prepared a list of films of his that I loved, but all I could do was smile and giggle. His aura is something else. I felt silly, but he isn’t just a big star. The way he carries himself and that fire that’s still burning in him is commendable.”
Her favourite Sarkar memory: “When Sarkar released, I was a college student in Chandigarh and my parents were raving about this film, asking me to watch it at the cinemas. At that time, I didn’t have plans to come to Mumbai to pursue acting then, but I was blown away by the film. So being a part of Sarkar 3 makes me nostalgic and is immensely satisfying as an actor.”
Don’t miss it!
Sarkar 3 releases in the UAE on May 11.
