After over two decades of lighting up screens and stages with his electrifying moves in ABCD, ABCD 2, and A Flying Jatt, dancer-choreographer Sushant Pujari is taking an unexpected leap into acting. He makes his Kannada cinema debut in Wild Tiger Safari, produced by VK Films and directed by Chandramouli, the writer behind KGF 1 & 2. The film’s poster reveals him as Amar Shetty, a menacing antagonist unlike his usual rhythmic self.

“When Chandramouli sir offered me the role, it was a mix of nervousness and excitement," he recalls. "I asked him why he chose me, and he said, ‘Sushant, when you speak, you come across as honest, confident, and strong, and that’s exactly what I see in Amar Shetty.’ That faith pushed me to explore an entirely new side of myself," he adds.

The transformation wasn’t effortless. “In the beginning, I struggled to separate the dancer from the actor. However, once I immersed myself in the script, things clicked. Chandramouli sir guided me throughout and encouraged me not to imitate anyone — just to be myself. There were moments when my own intensity scared me,” he shares.

For Sushant, Wild Tiger Safari also marked his first experience with the warmth of the South Indian film industry. “Everyone treated me like family. There’s so much creative freedom and respect. The production house trusted me completely, and that gave me courage to go all in,” he says.

When probed on why he chose this character and film, he reveals, “Amar Shetty isn’t just a villain. He’s layered, unpredictable, and human. I’ve always wanted to be an actor, not just a hero. Chandramouli sir even expanded my role during the shoot after seeing my performance — that was the biggest compliment.”

The film also stars debutant Shithil Poojari, Nimika Ratnakar, and dancer Dharmesh, bringing together an interesting set of an ensemble cast.