Arjun Rampal recently shared insights into his role as the antagonist in Rana Naidu 2, a popular Netflix crime-thriller. The actor spoke about his approach to portraying morally grey characters, drawing inspiration from real-life stories, and his commitment to telling authentic narratives based on historical events.
In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Rampal opened up about his experience playing Rauf Mirza, Rana Daggubati’s on-screen rival. He explained that the complexity and dysfunctionality of characters in Rana Naidu drew him to the series, particularly Rauf, whose unpredictability and depth he enjoyed portraying. Rampal worked closely with the show's creator, Karan Anshuman, to ensure his character was layered with unpredictability, humor, and complexity.
When asked about how he connects with a character like Rauf, Rampal emphasized the importance of creating characters with real emotions and beliefs. He shared his perspective on the grey areas of human nature, stating that there is no purely good or bad character—only complex individuals shaped by their circumstances. This philosophy guided his portrayal of Rauf, a gangster with political ambitions who is both feared and respected by those around him.
Rampal, known for his role as a gangster-turned-politician in Daddy, acknowledged that while Rauf was based on certain real-life figures, the character was developed with careful thought. He drew from his past experiences with people from similar worlds to make Rauf feel authentic, focusing on the spontaneity and rawness of characters who live dangerously and impulsively.
One significant aspect of Rana Naidu 2 is the sensitive portrayal of violent themes, particularly the dynamics between Rauf and the character Nitya (played by Afrah Sayed). Rampal emphasized that while his character is brutal, the show aimed to present these relationships with care, avoiding excessive violence, especially against women. He believed this shift was important in making the show accessible to a wider audience, reflecting the complex nature of the characters without sensationalizing their actions.
Rampal also spoke about his growing interest in digital platforms and how OTT has transformed the entertainment industry. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to tell stories that were not confined to traditional film formats, highlighting the importance of content-driven storytelling in today's landscape.
Looking ahead, Rampal’s upcoming projects include The Battle of Bhima Koregaon, a historical drama, and Dhurandhar, a spy-thriller, which will be released in 2026. Reflecting on his roles in films based on real events, he stressed the significance of staying true to the facts and being responsible in telling true stories. He believes that filmmakers have a duty to present accurate, well-researched stories to their audiences, which adds depth and authenticity to their work. With his stellar performance in Rana Naidu 2, Rampal continues to shine in roles that challenge him to explore the nuances of human nature, making him one of the most intriguing actors in the OTT space today.
