Dulquer Salmaan had an extraordinary 2022 with releases in four different languages that further cemented his status as a bonafide pan-Indian star. Except for the Tamil film Hey Sinamika, all the other three films—Salute (Malayalam), Sita Ramam (Telugu) and Chup (Hindi)—met with critical acclaim. Sita Ramam went on to become a nationwide success and emerged as the highest-grossing film of his career. As a mark of gratitude for all the love pouring in, Dulquer interacted with his Twitter followers in a brief Q&A session.
Here are some excerpts:
Q: What genre of films would you love the most to do?
A: Right now, I just want each to be different.
Q: You've talked about exploring more genres. Anything in particular?
A: I’m definitely going through a shift. And wanting to do the kind of films and roles I’m not known for. Fingers crossed for the right films at the right time.
Q: How's King of Kotha shaping up? How many times have you injured yourself while shooting for it?
A: Let’s just say this is the most physically challenging film I’ve done in a long time.
Q: How happy are you about the never-ending love you get for Sita Ramam?
It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced. Touched and filled with gratitude. Films like that come once in a lifetime.
Q: You have done films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Do you have any plans for a Kannada film?
A: I would love to. I'm loving all the great cinema the Kannada film industry is making and have had the most wonderful interactions with actors and directors I’ve met.
Q: Can we expect two Malayalam films in a year?
A: I’m genuinely trying. I wish films were made in a month. But each of my movies of late seems to be these huge ambitious films that take a lot of time.
Q: Rumour mills have been abuzz ever since you met Amal Neerad at his home. Any chance of a reunion?
A: Bet you wish you were a fly on that wall! Jokes aside, what’s life without a little mystery...
Q: Can we expect a prequel or sequel for Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal in the near future?
A: Should we touch such a timeless classic?
Q: How was it working with Mani Ratnam?
A: Like going to university with the best, most fun, yet at the same time a perfectionist teacher/Guru.
Q: Which one would you prefer -- a debutant director's film with a unique plot or working with a legendary director in a 100 crore project?
A: Historically, I’ve done the former. Maybe because the latter hasn’t come my way.
Q: Would you experiment working with debut directors? If yes, female directors?
A: I’ve done both and will continue to do so.
Q: There's so much negativity in social media. How do you think it can be made better?
A: I’m a staunch believer and practitioner in the art of blocking.
Q: Would you rather trade your car to get a dream film or forgo a dream project to get your favourite car?
A: I don’t think any material object is more important to me than my films.
