R Madhavan talks about the success of Padma Shri and Dhurandhar (Image Credits: Instagram)
Actor-director R Madhavan says being awarded the Padma Shri has added a new sense of responsibility to his career, even as he enjoys the success of Dhurandhar, one of the most talked-about films of the year.In a recent conversation with DD News, the actor spoke about the significance of being honored with the prestigious civilian award and how it changed his outlook towards his work.
“This award has made me realize that it comes with responsibility. There is prestige attached to it, but there is also a sense of duty. It seems that everything I have done so far is just the beginning. People will now expect more from me, and I will have to uphold higher standards than before,” Madhavan said.The actor admitted that while selecting films, the Padma Shri honor sometimes came to affect his thought process.“When choosing a role, I first ask whether it suits my personality and suits my scope of work. Later in the process, it comes to my mind whether a Padma Shri recipient should take up a particular role,” he said.
Durandar worked because everyone believed in the story
Madhavan also spoke about the tremendous response to Dhurandhar, saying that the film’s success stemmed from the team’s collective commitment to telling an important story rather than chasing commercial gains.
“I’ve always believed that when a film is backed by solid research and made with a genuine desire to tell an important story — not just to make money — it can never be ordinary,” he said.According to the actor, every member of the cast and crew was deeply invested in the project.“In Dhurandhar’s case, every actor and technician was deeply invested in the project. It became difficult to separate the character from the performer because everyone was so committed,” Madhavan explained.He further said that the film’s portrayal of a progressive and empowered India resonated strongly with audiences, especially young viewers.“The film tells the story of a progressive, advanced and empowered India. When stories like these are told honestly, people connect with them. Young audiences came to the theaters and felt proud after watching the film,” he said.
“The film should win”
Speaking about his career choices, Madhavan emphasized that he never approaches any project with the aim of making his role stand out above the rest.“My responsibility is to give everything I have to the character. I never go into a film thinking that my role should be the one that the audience remembers the most. For me, it’s a greedy approach because it doesn’t help the film,” he said.The actor added that the overall success of the project remains more important than individual praise.“If a film doesn’t work, individual recognition means very little. In the end, the film has to win,” Madhavan concluded.
