When comedians got serious for a movie role: Sunil, Allari Naresh, Soori, Yogi Babu

Sunil who was a popular comedian turned hero with Maryada Ramanna under SS Rajamouli’s direction. The actor did few films as a regular goon bashing action hero before attempting an image makeover with a villainous act in 2020’s Colour Photo. He finally played a full-fledged villain, Mangalam Seenu, in Sukumar’s Pushpa. This role was appreciated by viewers, paving way for Sunil’s casting opposite Superstar Rajinikanth in his upcoming movie Jailer.

Sunil as Mangalam Seenu in Pushpa.

In comparison, Kapil Sharma also tried a complete image makeover as a serious actor in Zwigato after trying his hand as a comedy hero in Kis Kisko Pyar Karoon and Firangi. Kapil’s transformation to show the plight of migrant workers in the gig-economy has surprised many. Whether he would continue on the path, or it will be a one off daring on his part for Nandita Das is yet to be seen.

Another serious transformation that must be mentioned is Allari Naresh from Telugu cinema. Having played mostly comedy centric lead roles in over 50 films, Naresh changed track completely with his 2021 release Naandhi. Perhaps the flop of his film Bangaru Bullodu released the same year finally made him realise that the days of him playing the dialogue heavy slapstick comedy hero are over. He started picking serious social dramas only. Having played a few well received serious supporting roles earlier – Gamyam, Maharshi – playing such meaty characters was not new to him. It was only a question of whether the audience would accept him in such roles for the entire film. Choosing Naandhi, Itlu Maredumilli Prajanikam, both movies depicting a person dealing with the problems of a microcosm, Naresh could successfully prove that he could play a serious part and carry a film on his shoulders too. He is attempting to take the game up with his next release Ugram, where he plays a wronged cop out for revenge. In the teaser, Naresh is seen punching goons into the air and hurling heavy warnings to the bad guys. Will this finally mark the end of “Allari” shades in Naresh’s career?

Naresh in Ugram.

Tamil comedian Soori has also made his debut as a serious lead actor in today’s release Viduthalai Part 1, under Vetrimaaran’s direction. As per early reports, the film has all the elements of a typical Vetrimaaran movie – serious drama, action, and excellent performances. Soori’s performance as a frustrated lower cadre cop is being appreciated by viewers.

Yogi Babu’s role in recently released Bommai Nayagi has also been well received after his wonderful turn in Mandela couple of years ago.

An interesting point to note is that these actors are getting roles that can be played by many other established lead actors. Is it an attempt at going against typecasting by filmmakers, or is this due to efforts by these actors to change their image? The reasons may not be important as long as the result is good cinema.