In a surprising twist of fate, actor Vivaan Shah landed the role of Captain Vijendra Malhotra in director Sriram Raghavan's war drama Ikkis, which released today. The opportunity arose not from a traditional audition but from a curious case of mistaken identity, offering Shah a rare chance to break away from his typical 'boyish' casting.
The Accidental Audition: A Five-Minute Chat and a Name Mix-Up
The story begins in 2022 at a theatre event, where Vivaan Shah and Sriram Raghavan had a brief, five-minute conversation. Their discussion centered on their mutual admiration for American filmmaker Don Siegel. "I had read an article he had written on Siegel, so we connected over that and then went our separate ways," Shah recounts. Notably, they did not exchange contact information or discuss potential film projects.
The plot thickened later when Raghavan, while working on Ikkis, believed he was corresponding with Vivaan Shah for a role. It turned out he was actually in talks with a different actor who shared the same first name. "Eventually, he realised it wasn’t me and told his team to call the real Vivaan," the actor shared, highlighting the serendipitous chain of events that led to his casting.
Breaking the 'Boyish' Mold: Physical Demands and Personal Inspiration
For Vivaan Shah, this role is a significant departure. He admits that his youthful appearance often limits him from being considered for authoritative figures like military officers or police inspectors. "Because of the way I look, I have a very boyish appearance... So, in a sense, this felt like a stroke of luck," he said. He expressed hope that his performance in Ikkis would help change such perceptions in the industry.
Portraying a war hero was both physically and emotionally challenging. Shah described the extensive action sequences as one of the most enjoyable yet demanding aspects. "It involved full-scale combat and was extremely demanding, but also very satisfying," he noted.
For emotional depth, he drew inspiration from a personal hero: his uncle, General Zameeruddin Shah, who fought in the pivotal Battle of Longewala during the 1971 war. "He never really talks about his experiences, but his demeanour, personality, and mannerisms stayed with me. I consciously tried to channel him while playing this role," Shah revealed.
Praise for a Co-Star and a New Chapter
Shah also had high praise for his young co-star, Agastya Nanda, who is making his own mark in the film. He observed a notable maturity in Nanda's approach. "Agastya is doing everything I wish I had done at his age. He is far more evolved and mature than I was. Watching Agastya’s discipline and focus made me realise how much more grounded he is," Shah stated appreciatively.
The release of Ikkis marks a potential turning point in Vivaan Shah's career. What began as a simple misunderstanding over a name has culminated in a role that allowed him to push his boundaries, honor a family legacy, and step into a new, more authoritative on-screen persona.
