Banking on luck Dulquer Salmaan’s bold dive as Bhaskar!

Dulquer Salmaan is not just a name; he’s a cinematic force that transcends borders and languages, captivating audiences with each role he embraces. He captured hearts with his charming portrayal of Charlie, where his character’s free-spirited nature resonated with audiences. Later, he went on to deliver a powerful performance in Mahanati, where he embodied the legendary actor Gemini Ganesan, adding depth to the biopic about the celebrated actress Savitri. Dulquer has also impressed audiences with his roles in Kali, where he navigated the complexities of anger and love and in Zoya Akhtar’s Karwaan, he brought a delightful blend of humour and heart to the screen. From Banglore Days to Ustad Hotel to O Kaadal Kanmani, with back-to-back power-packed performances, he has not just won hearts but also souls.
In addition to his stellar work in Malayalam cinema, Dulquer has made significant inroads into other film industries, starring in Tamil hits like Kali and Vaanam Kottattum and showcasing his talents in Telugu. In an interview that seamlessly wove together insights on the complexities of banking and the actor’s craft, he shared his experiences working on Lucky Bhaskar, a film set against the backdrop of finance and scandal.
For the Kurup star, stepping into Bhaskar’s world was about more than memorising banking terminology—it was about fully inhabiting the life of a character grounded in a familiar, yet risky, reality. “Venky’s attention to detail was so thorough that every question I had about banking, he had an answer for,” he recalled. “Knowing a director has done so much homework gives you confidence. It’s like you’re in safe hands and you’re part of a story that respects both the narrative and the field it represents.”
But beyond the script’s financial intricacies, the Hey Sinamika fame appreciated the universal appeal that Bhaskar’s story held. While finance might seem a domain reserved for urban multiplex audiences, the film’s treatment of Bhaskar as a relatable man with dreams and aspirations bridges the gap between city dwellers and rural communities.
In discussing the challenges of portraying Bhaskar, he highlighted how the setting and authenticity of the production made it easier to connect with the character. The set’s detailed recreation of Bhaskar’s home was particularly impressive. Although only parts of the house were physically constructed, CGI brought the street and neighbourhood to life. “It felt incredibly real; I didn’t feel like I was acting in a fabricated world. Every day on set felt natural, like I was stepping into Bhaskar’s life,” he said, clearly cherishing the film’s immersion.
While Lucky Bhaskar veers towards intellectual storytelling, a refreshing divergence in his filmography, he recognised the risk of making complex subjects palatable. For him, Venky managed to strike the delicate balance of creating a smart film without alienating audiences. “You can’t make it so dense that people feel lost,” he emphasised. “But you also can’t simplify it to the point where you’re underestimating the audience’s intelligence. Venky did an exceptional job with that balance.”
The King of Kotha star’s journey from apprehension to acclaim in the world of cinema reveals both his meticulous approach to acting and his love for stories over stardom. Reflecting on one of his latest roles, he chuckles, “We wanted Bhaskar to have that touch of arrogance—a character that isn’t so easy to root for.” Despite playing a character with a darker edge, it’s clear his own charm has little to do with arrogance.
Though his films have brought him closer to a pan-Indian market, he seems genuinely at ease with the idea that he may never capture the sheer volume of Bollywood fans like some of his contemporaries. “I’m just enjoying the journey,” he says, a statement that reflects his grounded nature. Language, he reveals, is one of his greatest loves—and strengths. “I like languages,” he explains, sharing that Hindi was his second language in school. Yet his heart remains closer to the southern film industries. “Films made here have an appeal that just travels so seamlessly across Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu audiences. With Hindi, though, I feel like it’s tougher to achieve that level of crossover.”
He also spoke about his journey of adapting to various languages and cultural nuances within Indian cinema. While Malayalam, his native language, posed unique challenges, Telugu and Tamil felt slightly more intuitive. “Telugu was easier to dub and surprisingly Tamil as well,” he admitted, noting the intricacies each language brings to the screen.
His breakthrough in the Telugu industry with the monumental Mahanati nearly didn’t happen. When director Nag Ashwin approached him to portray the legendary Gemini Ganesan, Dulquer initially balked. “It’s an ambitious film with beloved icons and I didn’t want people to watch it and think, ‘Why cast this guy who doesn’t speak Telugu?’” With unfamiliar language came a unique challenge: “When you’re new to a language, there’s a delay in how you respond emotionally to lines. Initially, I relied on prompts, which affected my timing.” But he is as much a perfectionist as he is passionate and he was willing to put in the work, knowing the rewards would be worth it. The reassurance of the Mahanati team and their trust in his abilities gave him the confidence to make the role his own.
His deep respect for portraying nuanced roles, often set in the grey areas of morality, underscores his commitment to exploring complex characters. “Characters with shades of grey are more satisfying. As actors, we’re drawn to roles that feel real, layered,” he explained. “We spend our lives following rules, but on screen, we get to take risks and break rules. Bhaskar’s one of those characters—someone willing to push boundaries and take risks.”
One trait that has set Dulquer apart is his deep commitment to character development, eschewing any notion of ‘typecasting’ in favour of well-crafted stories. For him, stories always come before any specific ‘dream role’ and it’s a belief he’s carried since the beginning of his career. Even his father, Mammootty, who has played every kind of character imaginable, has advised Dulquer to follow the story rather than get stuck on the character. “The role has to feel real,” he reflects, sharing that he dives into each role by carefully studying the character’s quirks, mannerisms and backstory. And it’s the smallest details—a pair of glasses, the way a bag hangs from his shoulder—that often help him unlock a character’s essence.
For Mahanati, he remembers, “Gemini Ganesan had such distinct mannerisms. He’d sit with the chair turned around; he loved cooking—these were details his family shared with me.” And he ensured every nuance came through in his performance, down to the way he sat in every scene.
Reflecting on his own success and grounded by his iconic lineage as the son of Mammootty, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities and freedom he’s enjoyed in his career. “I’ve been very lucky in every way. Being my father’s son opened doors, but I also had the safety net to say no to roles that didn’t resonate. That privilege lets you be selective, to wait for the right films.”
For now, he remains focused on choosing roles that challenge and intrigue him, with sequels on the backburner as he continues his quest for originality in storytelling. Yet, as he laughed off the notion of preempting a “career checklist,” his love for fresh stories and dynamic scripts was evident, making him one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema today.
Breaking out of the ‘chocolate boy’ image took time, but he laughs it off today. “I’m 41, a father. I kept trying to move away from those romance-centered roles, but they somehow keep finding me.” Still, he’s grateful for the audience’s unwavering affection and even enjoys their attention with a hint of nostalgia. Fans send him handmade crafts and photo albums filled with memories of his films and thoughtful gestures he treasures. “When I was younger, no one noticed me like this,” he admits, smiling. “Now, they know every detail about my family, my wife and my daughter—and they’re still incredibly respectful.”
The conversation shifts to the lighter side of being a public figure, the occasional pitfalls of fame. He recalls some close calls with cybersecurity risks, noting, “Sometimes I see attempts from places like New Zealand trying to access my accounts!” Even in this, there’s a careful thoughtfulness; he is at once the dreamer, the realist, and the actor who holds his craft above all else, forever looking for stories that resonate across screens, languages and hearts.