IC 814 Vijay Varma is one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema today, known for his ability to portray a wide spectrum of characters with intensity and nuance. Having established himself with dark, gritty roles that explore the depths of human nature, Varma is now transitioning to more heroic roles, a shift that has his fans eagerly awaiting what comes next. One such project is IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, a film based on the real-life 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane that gripped the nation. In this interview, Varma opens up about his journey from being an outsider in the film industry to playing lead roles, his experience working on the hijacking film, and the intricacies of his craft.
The Transition from Dark Roles to Heroic Characters
For a long time, Vijay Varma has been associated with complex, sometimes disturbing characters. His roles in Gully Boy (2019), where he played the street thug Moeen, and She (2020), where he portrayed an unpredictable gangster, earned him critical acclaim. These performances cemented his reputation as an actor unafraid to dive into the murky depths of human emotion. However, his decision to take on more heroic roles marks a significant shift in his career.
When asked about this transition, Varma explained, “I’ve always been drawn to characters that have a certain depth to them, whether they’re morally ambiguous or straight-up flawed. These roles allow me to explore various facets of human behavior. But as an actor, I don’t want to be pigeonholed into playing the same type of character repeatedly. Taking on more heroic roles is my way of expanding my horizons and challenging myself.”
The upcoming film IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a prime example of this new direction. Based on the harrowing 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, the film promises to showcase Varma in a role that is vastly different from the characters he’s played in the past. In this film, Varma portrays a national hero, one of the individuals involved in resolving the hijacking crisis. “This role required me to tap into a different kind of energy—more grounded, composed, and heroic. It’s about portraying courage and determination under immense pressure, which is a huge shift from the chaotic and unstable characters I’ve played before,” he said. 
IC 814: A Story of National Significance
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack recounts the chilling true story of the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 by Pakistani militants. The event triggered a massive political and diplomatic crisis, leading to intense negotiations between India and the hijackers. The film is one of the many historical dramas that aim to depict real-life events that have left an indelible mark on the country.
For Varma, taking part in such a significant film was both an honor and a challenge. “The hijacking was a pivotal moment in Indian history, and I remember it vividly. I was still in school when it happened, but I remember the fear and uncertainty that gripped the nation at the time,” he recalled. “When I was offered this role, I felt the weight of responsibility. This isn’t just a character I’m portraying; it’s a real person who was part of a historic event. There’s a certain gravitas that comes with that.”
Varma spoke at length about the research that went into preparing for the role. “I delved into news reports, interviews, and documentaries on the hijacking. I wanted to understand not just the events themselves, but the emotional and psychological toll it took on the people involved—both the passengers and the negotiators. It’s easy to focus on the physical threat of such an event, but there’s an emotional dimension that’s equally important. The fear, the uncertainty, the responsibility—it all plays a role in shaping the character.”
Playing a national hero, Varma also reflected on how different this role was compared to his previous work. “I’m used to playing characters who are driven by their flaws, their weaknesses. This character, on the other hand, is driven by his sense of duty and responsibility. It was refreshing IC 814 and, at the same time, quite intimidating to play someone who embodies such strength and resilience.”
Being an Outsider in the Film Industry
Vijay Varma’s IC 814 journey to success has not been an easy one. Hailing from Hyderabad and coming from a non-filmy background, Varma has had to work his way up the ladder in an industry that often favors insiders. His path to stardom has been marked by hard work, persistence, and an undying passion for acting.
Varma has often spoken about the struggles of being an outsider in Bollywood. “It’s not easy to break into the industry when you don’t have the right connections or a famous last name. There are so many talented people out there who never get the chance to showcase what they can do simply because they don’t have access to the right opportunities. I had to go through my fair share of rejections and closed doors before I got my break,” he said.
The IC 814 actor attributes much of his success to the support of independent filmmakers who gave him a chance when others wouldn’t. “My first few roles were in independent films that didn’t have big budgets or star power. But those films gave me the opportunity to hone my craft and show what I was capable of. Without those early experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 
Despite his success, IC 814 Varma remains grounded and continues to be vocal about the challenges faced by outsiders in the film industry. “I think the conversation around nepotism and favoritism in Bollywood has gained momentum in recent years, and that’s a good thing. We need to acknowledge the barriers that exist and work toward creating a more level playing field where talent is the primary criteria for success,” he stated.
Varma’s perspective as an outsider has shaped his approach to acting and his career choices. “I don’t take anything for granted. Every role I get, every opportunity I have, I treat it like it’s my last. I’ve learned to work hard, stay humble, and let my work speak for itself.”
The IC 814 Craft of Acting: Finding Depth in Every Role
Vijay Varma’s performances are often praised for their depth and authenticity. Whether he’s playing a morally ambiguous character or a more straightforward role, Varma’s ability to bring complexity and nuance to his performances is what sets him apart. In this interview, the actor delved into his approach to acting and the process he goes through to embody his characters.
“I’m someone who believes that every character, no matter how big or small, IC 814 has a story to tell. Even if it’s a character with just a few lines, I try to understand their motivations, their fears, their desires. That’s what makes a performance real—when you go beyond the script and find the humanity in the character,” Varma explained.
For Varma, preparation is key. “I spend a lot of time researching and thinking about my characters before I step in front of the camera. Sometimes it’s about understanding the context—what’s happening in the character’s life, what’s motivating their actions. Other times, it’s about finding the emotional core of the character and tapping into that.”
Varma also spoke about the importance of collaboration in the creative process. “Acting isn’t a solo endeavor. You’re working with directors, co-actors, and a whole team of people to bring a story to life. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible directors who have pushed me to explore new dimensions in my performances. Collaboration is where the magic happens.”
When asked about the types of roles he seeks out, Varma said, “I’m always looking for roles that challenge me. I don’t want to get too comfortable in any one type of character. I’ve played a lot of intense, dark characters, but I’m also interested in roles that are lighter or more nuanced. At the end of the day, it’s about finding roles that resonate with me on some level—roles that I can connect with emotionally.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Vijay Varma?
As Vijay Varma continues to explore new dimensions in his career, audiences can expect to see more of his versatility on display. In addition to IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, the actor has several other projects in the pipeline, including films and web series that promise to push the boundaries of his craft even further. When asked about his goals for the future, Varma said, “I want to keep growing as an actor and as a person. I don’t have a specific roadmap for where I want my career to go, but I do know that I want to keep taking on roles that excite me and challenge me. I want to be part of stories that matter—stories that leave an impact.”As Vijay Varma transitions from playing deeply flawed characters to taking on more heroic and nuanced roles, it’s clear that his career is on an upward trajectory. Whether he’s portraying a street thug, a national hero, or something in between, Varma brings an authenticity and intensity to his performances that continue to captivate audiences. With his immense talent and dedication to his craft, there’s no doubt that Vijay Varma is here to stay, and his best work may still be yet to come. ALSO READ:Global Media Body Mourns Killing of 10th Journalist in Pakistan in 2024: A Wake-up Call for Press Freedom 2024