'Purity, angst': Why Amar Kaushik chose Vicky for 'Mahavatar'
What's the story
Amar Kaushik, the director of Stree and Bhediya, recently revealed why he chose Vicky Kaushal for his upcoming mythological film Mahavatar. In an interview with Zoom, he said that he had always wanted to work with Kaushal because of his "purity" and "angst." The film features Kaushal as Chiranjeevi Parashurama.
Director's perspective
Kaushik's admiration for Kaushal's listening skills
Kaushik said, "Ek comfort jaisa feel deta tha vo ke matlab ye actor, pure actor hai. Ye dil se baat karta hai." "When he sits with you, suddenly you don't feel that you are talking to a star. He listens to you a lot. He is a very good listener." "He will listen to you and understand. And then he will say something correct," the director added.
Collaboration
Kaushik's long-standing desire to collaborate with Kaushal
Kaushik revealed that he had wanted to work with Kaushal for a long time. He said, "He has been an AD. He assisted Anurag (Kashyap) sir too. So, since then, I wanted to do something with Vicky." "He thinks for the character, not for himself." "Kabhi aisa nahi hua tha ki main Mahavatar banaunga bhi. Ye aapke dimaag mein rehta hi ki yaar aisi kahaani aayegi, (par) kon hoga vaha tak toh aap pohochte nahi ho."
Character selection
Kaushik's vision for 'Mahavatar' and Kaushal's role
Kaushik said that he thought of Mahavatar as a story that would require an actor with "purity," "angst," and a "deep meaning in his eyes and in the way he talks." He added, "So all that used to give me a hint toward Vicky, that this man is pure with respect to his work and people." Written by Niren Bhatt, Mahavatar was initially slated for a theatrical release in 2026. However, the film's release has been postponed.