Abhimanyu Singh embraces versatility in acting with ‘L2: Empuraan’ and upcoming projects

Actor Abhimanyu Singh, known for his intense performances in South Indian cinema, has achieved a significant milestone with his Malayalam film debut in L2: Empuraan. Featuring a stellar cast, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Hollywood actress Caroline Koziol, the high-budget film has propelled him into a new phase of his career. Singh, who plays the primary antagonist, is relishing the acclaim coming his way.

The actor, who previously gained recognition for his roles in Gabbar Singh and Rules Ranjann, describes L2: Empuraan as a career-defining film. He acknowledges the love and appreciation he has received from audiences across India, calling the project a dream opportunity due to its large-scale production and global appeal.

What makes ‘L2: Empuraan’ a landmark film in Abhimanyu Singh’s career?

Malayalam cinema has been undergoing a significant transformation, with filmmakers increasingly pushing the boundaries of storytelling and production quality. L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, is a prime example of this shift, offering a gripping narrative and high production values.

For Singh, stepping into the Malayalam industry with such a large-scale film has been an extraordinary experience. The actor acknowledges that working alongside industry giants like Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran has been both a learning opportunity and a validation of his craft. Unlike conventional villainous roles, his character in L2: Empuraan is complex and multi-dimensional, providing him with the perfect platform to showcase his versatility.

Audiences and critics have lauded Singh’s performance, with many appreciating the depth he brings to his antagonist role. The response has further cemented his reputation as a formidable actor capable of delivering powerful portrayals across different film industries.

How is Abhimanyu Singh redefining villainous roles in Indian cinema?

Singh’s career has been shaped by his ability to bring unique shades to negative characters. In Telugu cinema, he made a lasting impression with Nenu Naa Rakshasi and continued to dominate as a screen villain with films like Gabbar Singh and Devara. However, he insists that he does not want to be confined to the stereotypical portrayal of an antagonist.

His next major project, OG, starring Pawan Kalyan and directed by Sujith, is set to challenge the conventional villain trope. Singh teases that his character in the film will undergo a significant transformation, ensuring that audiences experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Instead of a one-dimensional antagonist, his role in OG is designed to be unpredictable, making him a character whom audiences may hate at times but also sympathize with at others.

Singh expresses admiration for Sujith’s direction, stating that the filmmaker has brought a fresh perspective to the storytelling. He is excited to reunite with Pawan Kalyan after previously working with him, emphasizing that this collaboration holds special significance for him.

What are Abhimanyu Singh’s upcoming Bollywood projects?

While Singh has carved a niche for himself in South Indian cinema, he remains an integral part of Bollywood. One of his highly anticipated Hindi films is Lahore 1947, produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film, which is set against the backdrop of India’s partition, promises to be an emotionally charged narrative with a strong historical context.

Singh reveals that his character in Lahore 1947 is vastly different from anything he has done before. The period drama required him to immerse himself in a challenging role, which he believes will showcase a new facet of his acting prowess. Given the film’s association with acclaimed filmmakers, expectations are high, and Singh is confident that it will be a cinematic treat for audiences.

How has the evolution of Indian cinema influenced Singh’s approach to acting?

Having been in the industry for over a decade, Singh has witnessed a significant evolution in Indian cinema, particularly in storytelling and filmmaking techniques. He credits world cinema for influencing contemporary Indian filmmakers, making them more experimental with narratives and character arcs.

According to Singh, the expectations from actors have also changed. He notes that audiences are now more discerning and seek fresh perspectives rather than formulaic performances. To remain relevant, actors must continuously reinvent themselves. He believes that the days of playing the same type of villain repeatedly are over, as filmmakers now demand more nuanced antagonists who can evoke a range of emotions from viewers.

Singh takes pride in his journey, acknowledging that each role teaches him something new about his craft. He describes acting as an evolving art form, one that requires continuous exploration. While he has delivered several impactful performances, he insists that he is still discovering new dimensions within himself as an actor.

What’s next for Abhimanyu Singh?

With L2: Empuraan opening new doors for him in Malayalam cinema, Singh is now focused on balancing his career across multiple film industries. His upcoming projects in Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam showcase his commitment to versatility and his desire to challenge himself with every role.

He remains optimistic about the future, stating that he still has much to explore as an actor. For him, the ultimate goal is not just to play a villain but to bring depth and authenticity to every character he portrays. With OG and Lahore 1947 on the horizon, Singh’s journey is far from over—if anything, it is entering an even more exciting phase.