Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 1: Actor Riteish Deshmukh, who stars as a corrupt politician in Raid 2, emphasized the pivotal role of villains in cinema, stating that the strength of a film often lies in the complexity of its antagonist. He believes a truly memorable hero emerges when faced with a strong, formidable villain.

In a candid conversation, Deshmukh shared, “A hero can only truly shine when there’s an equally powerful obstacle in their way. The villain must remain dominant until the very end, just like climbing Mount Everest makes the journey worthwhile. The tougher the challenge, the more engaging the story.”

The actor drew on examples from iconic films such as Mr India and Raid, where villains like Mogambo and Saurabh Shukla’s character elevated the hero’s journey and added depth to the narrative. He explained that even if the villain’s role isn’t large, it must be portrayed with depth and intrigue to make the hero’s conflict meaningful.

Deshmukh added, “Every great story needs a villain. It’s not just about screen time; it’s about how intriguingly the antagonist is portrayed. That’s been true in the past, today, and will continue in the future.”

Raid 2, co-starring Ajay Devgn, hit theatres on Labour Day, May 1, with Deshmukh playing a role that challenges the hero to the core.