For countless Malayali viewers, the name Rajit Kapur is forever linked to the character Unni from Shyamaprasad's iconic film Agnisakshi. While he is celebrated nationally for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in The Making of the Mahatma, in Kerala, he remains a beloved figure from that defining role. Now, after a significant gap of 25 years, the acclaimed actor is making a powerful return to Malayalam screens, not in cinema, but in the digital realm.
Embracing the Challenge of a Comeback
Rajit Kapur is set to star in Pharma, touted as the first-ever medical drama web series in the Malayalam language. In an exclusive conversation, the actor revealed the intense dedication behind his comeback. He admitted that relearning Malayalam dialogues was a daunting task, requiring months of preparation. "I knew it would be tough to go back to those sleepless nights of learning my Malayalam lines," Kapur shared, emphasizing that he refused to take shortcuts. He performed his lines authentically on set, avoiding placeholder dialogues, driven by his love for a good challenge.
"Easy roles don't excite me anymore. I want to stretch the actor in me, and this role surely did that," he stated, highlighting why the character of Dr. Rajiv Rao was irresistible. The actor was drawn to the character's moral complexity—a senior doctor whose conscience is awakened, leading him to take a stand against wrongdoing. The solid eight-episode script convinced him instantly, sparking the thought, "how can I add colour to this?" This compelling narrative arc ultimately persuaded him that it was time to come back to Kerala.
The Allure of OTT and Southern Storytelling
Rajit Kapur expressed immense enthusiasm for the creative possibilities offered by the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform boom. He praised the format for allowing filmmakers to delve deeper into stories and characters without the time constraints of traditional cinema. "Web series have become a new form of storytelling. They give filmmakers the liberty to take their time to explore the depth of a story and flesh out characters," he explained.
He also lauded the South Indian film industry for its remarkable contribution to original content. "I’m proud to say that a large percentage of original stories are coming from the South, and that’s remarkable," Kapur noted. He believes Pharma, as an original story, is poised to impress audiences and stands as a testament to the innovative work emerging from the region.
A Legacy and a New Beginning
Kapur's return is not just a professional decision but a reconnection with an audience that has held him dear for decades. While his portrayal of Gandhi earned him national acclaim, his role in Agnisakshi cemented a special bond with Malayali cinephiles. His decision to undertake the rigorous process of mastering Malayalam again for Pharma underscores his commitment to the craft and respect for the audience.
With Pharma, Rajit Kapur steps into the burgeoning world of Malayalam OTT content, bringing with him his veteran skills and a passion for layered storytelling. His comeback marks a significant moment, bridging a celebrated past with the dynamic future of digital entertainment in India.
