Gangster roles always give me a kick: Vivek Oberoi

However, the actor, who has been appreciated for his negative roles, shared that it was never a conscious decision by him to portray grey characters.

 Asked what he really likes about such roles, Vivek said, “Essaying gangster roles has always given me a kick and an adrenaline rush that is indescribable.” Talking about his characters – Chandu from Company (2002), Maya Dolas from Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) and Pratap Ravi from Rakht Charitra (2010), the 39-year-old actor said that “all these characters were so layered.” 

Vivek also enjoys versatility – sometimes as a loverboy in a film like Saathiya and sometimes in comic capers like Masti. But he says he has been especially lauded whenever he has played grey characters. 

“It was never really a conscious decision to only portray grey characters. I enjoy doing versatile roles. However, the kind of response and reactions that I received for my gangster roles, have been phenomenal,” said the son of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi. “I have played a gangster in three blockbusters and my fans enjoy watching me essay these roles. And to me that is the greatest testimony,” he added. 

“Apart from working on the look, my physique and the finer nuances of the character, I have also met with people who knew Muthappa Rai closely. At the moment, that is all we can reveal,” added the Prince actor.

Vivek added that “there is a lot of homework that is going into this role”. The Zila Ghaziabad star says the story for Rai will be told in an interesting and an entertaining manner.

At a time when slice-of-life films and biopics on national heroes and icons are doing so well, what made him go for Rai?

Vivek said, “The film is based on the life of Muthappa Rai, a former underworld don from South India who went on to become an entrepreneur. It is an interesting story told in the most entertaining manner. It will definitely break the clutter.”