Bollywood's iconic star Sanjay Dutt, currently seen as the antagonist in the Prabhas-starrer 'The Raja Saab', is building a formidable legacy beyond Hindi cinema. Known for his intense on-screen persona, Dutt has successfully expanded his fan base across India by venturing into major South Indian film industries.
Kannada Debut with a Bang: KGF Chapter 2
Sanjay Dutt made his powerful entry into South Indian cinema with the blockbuster Kannada franchise 'KGF'. In 'KGF: Chapter 2', he portrayed the fierce antagonist Adheera, locking horns with Yash's character Rocky. The role demanded extreme dedication, for which Dutt underwent a remarkable physical transformation. His hard work and menacing portrayal were hugely appreciated, earning him massive love from audiences nationwide and cementing his pan-Indian appeal.
Conquering Tamil Cinema with Vijay's Leo
The actor's foray into Tamil film industry came with the hugely popular film 'Leo', starring Thalapathy Vijay in the lead. The story revolves around a cafe owner embroiled in an identity crisis, suspected to be a former drug lord. Dutt stepped into the shoes of the primary antagonist, who is revealed to be the father of the film's hero. His depiction of the threatening drug lord was a major highlight, successfully bringing his formidable star power to Kollywood and captivating Tamil audiences.
Telugu Sci-Fi Action in Double iSmart
Sanjay Dutt further extended his Southern reach with the Telugu sci-fi action film 'Double iSmart', a sequel to the 2019 hit 'iSmart Shankar'. In this movie, Ram Pothineni reprises his role as iSmart Shankar. Dutt plays the villainous crime lord named The Big Bull, who seeks immortality through a memory transfer process. The film showcases a classic face-off, with Dutt bringing his signature intimidating presence against the protagonist, adding a layer of high-stakes conflict to the narrative.
Sanjay Dutt's strategic choices in South Indian cinema demonstrate a calculated expansion of his brand. From the raw aggression in 'KGF: Chapter 2' to the complex father-figure in 'Leo' and the futuristic villain in 'Double iSmart', he has showcased versatility while maintaining his core strength—playing formidable antagonists. This journey has not only broadened his geographical fan base but also solidified his status as a true pan-Indian superstar, capable of delivering hits across linguistic barriers.
