Revisiting Lootera on Ranveer Singh’s birthday: Where the star quietened down so the actor could shine

Varun in Lootera wasn’t an easy character to fall for. Simply put, he was a thug who wreaked havoc in the life of his lover Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha). He looted her father, cut short his lifespan, and brought Pakhi closer to death. How does one make the audience fall in love with such a character? Yet, Ranveer managed to do so. He didn’t merely play Varun as a character on paper, he embodied him, making him an intrinsic part of his being.

Ranveer’s Varun was romantic, charming, classy, and sensitive all at once, yet he also exuded an air of mystery that left us doubting his intentions while simultaneously swooning over his charisma. The transformation in Ranveer’s personality while portraying Varun is evident — the stillness in his demeanour, the softness of his voice, the pain in his eyes. Even in moments of anger, when Pakhi confronts him and demands a confession of his love, he stands resolute, gazing at her with helplessness, allowing his eyes and expressions to convey his emotions. It’s like watching Ranveer at 0.5x speed, meticulously displaying each emotion, providing the audience with ample time to absorb the contrasting beauty of his character.

Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Singh played lead roles in Lootera. (Pic: Twitter)

Like a fine wine, Lootera has aged well (the film recently completed its 10th anniversary on July 5). Ranveer, after playing a wide spectrum of characters, is at crossroads in his own career. He has shown his potential in films like Lootera, 83, Gully Boy, and Padmaavat.

It’s not the sculpted physique of Simmba or the electrifying Roy of Cirkus that we remember. Instead, we vividly recall the fall of a young man who sought to save the life of his love by preserving the last leaf. As Ranveer celebrates his 37th birthday today, perhaps it’s time for him to revisit his characters and choose roles that cater to his sensitivity and truly deserve his potential.