What attracted you to play the Dharma character in Gayapadda Simham?
JD Chakravarthy: Any character that has a challenging arc excites an actor. When the glimpse of Dharma was released, I said something and I’ll repeat it—legendary actors like Kamal Haasan have done roles no one else could. But in this film, not as an actor but as a character, I feel I got a unique opportunity that even he may not have had. Dharma is a very different role.
What makes this character special?
JD Chakravarthy: Usually, characters have different shades in the first and second halves. But here, the same character appears similar throughout, yet carries two different shades. That aspect really excited me. The magic lies in the writing itself.
You do films at a slower pace. Do you take time to choose scripts?
JD Chakravarthy: I have always been selective from the beginning of my career. I only choose stories that truly interest me.
Will Dharma be a memorable character like some iconic villain roles?
JD Chakravarthy: A character becomes memorable only if the story works. In films like Shiva, my character became my identity. Many characters like Bhavani, Satya, and others stayed with audiences. But if the story doesn’t work, even strong characters won’t last.
Who is the ‘injured lion’ in the film?
JD Chakravarthy: In this film, Tarun Bhascker, myself, and another character are all ‘injured lions’. The third one will be revealed soon.
What is unique about the film?
JD Chakravarthy: The story is presented in a very fresh way. Dharma, Tarun Bhascker’s character, and another role intersect in an interesting manner.
How was your experience working with director Kashyap Srinivas?
JD Chakravarthy: Kashyap has good experience with short films and web series. I liked his style and confidence. He made the film with realistic and hilarious humor.
Tell us about your role ‘Brutal Dharma’?
JD Chakravarthy: My character is called ‘Brutal Dharma’, but what I do on screen will make audiences laugh.
Is this a director’s film?
JD Chakravarthy: Yes, absolutely. There are many directors in this film, including me and Tarun Bhascker. But Kashyap executed the film exactly as he envisioned. We didn’t interfere.
When will you direct your next film?
JD Chakravarthy: (Laughs) I don’t talk about another project while promoting a film.
Did Ram Gopal Varma influence your work?
JD Chakravarthy: When you work with someone, their influence naturally reflects to some extent.
How is the technical team?
JD Chakravarthy: The film has a strong technical team. Editor Viplav’s work is very interesting, and the music aligns well with the director’s vision.
Why didn’t you continue in Hindi after Satya?
JD Chakravarthy: After Satya, we got busy with production work, and I didn’t find scripts that excited me.
Is OTT affecting theatres?
JD Chakravarthy: OTT is bringing good content, but for a film to succeed in theatres, it must be strong. Audiences now have many options. If they like a film, they will watch it in theatres without waiting for OTT.
Will you do more experimental films?
JD Chakravarthy: Definitely. I love acting and don’t differentiate between hero or villain roles. If the story is new, I’m ready to do it.
All The Best!
JD Chakravarthy: Thank you.
