‘BOLLYWOOD HEROES ARE PLAYING VILLAIN IN SOUTH FILMS’

Actor Upen Patel, who made his Bollywood debut with 36 China Town in 2006, and went on to do films such as Namastey London (2007), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) and Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha (2017), is working in the southern film industry.

After playing a negative role in director Shankar’s Telugu film, I, he’s now set to start shooting with actor Atharvaa Murali for Boomerang. “I’ve been lucky enough to be given my debut in the southern film industry by Shankar sir with I. , In his next film, 2.0, with Rajinikanth sir and Akshay Kumar, Akshay will be seen in a negative role. Bollywood heroes turning into southern film villains seems to be the new trend,” says Upen, who is “thankful to be part of great cinema.”

In Boomerang, the actor is playing the main villain. Asked to shed more light on the film, he says, “The film is definitely commercial, but since it is a thriller, I can’t reveal much. It is not a typical thriller, where a story revolves around a love story and betrayal, but its a unique story. The action sequences are just great. I think the southern cinema always brings new and fresh takes on different stories. That excited me to do this film and it is not something you have seen before.”

Some regional films, like Baahubali and Eega, have seen gigantic success. Is there a franchise that Upen would like to be a part of? “Something like Baahubali. Who would not like to be part of a franchise that is as big as Baahubali!” he says.

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH Upen Patel will be seen playing the main villain in the film, Boomerang