Vikrant Massey: Mirzapur is not only about gangsters, action or violence

It was fantastic. It has got a great cast. That is what we are getting to hear from people around. However, it is not only about gangsters, action or violence, but it has also got much more than that. It is about two brothers who unwillingly are pushed into a circumstance that is not under their control. They sort of finding their own path and trying to accept their reality. The broad idea was to present human survival instincts.

Q. Are you an actor who feeds off co-stars’ energy? Pankaj Tripathi is a different personality off screen. How was it working with him?

I definitely feed off my co-star’s energy and Pankaj Ji is one of my favorite actors. I always enjoyed working with him. Working with him on Mirzapur was fantastic. I think any actor will say the same thing that when you collaborate with good actors, your job is much easier. Performing arts is give and take and when you work with someone like Pankaj Tripathi, it is difficult to stay in your character. It is easy to sway away when he acts in front of you.

Q. What equation do you share with Ali Fazal who plays your brother in Mirzapur?

I have a great rapo with him. We have known each other but never worked together. Never really hung around but it was easy to break the ice with him. He is a fine actor. Whatever I know of him, we think a lot alike that also reflects on the camera.

Q. Was it hard to get into such a character?

It was hard in its own way. It was harder when the shoot started because the format was comparatively long. Three and a half films in one go. I enjoyed the role. It was hard for me to grasp all the nuances of the character, but it was so well written that half the job was easy.

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Q. You are also in Alankrita’s film. This would be your second film with her after Lipstick. Tell us something about it.

I am playing a supporting role. Alankrita is my favourite. I feel extremely lucky that she calls me whenever she makes something but there is also a sense of nervousness because she is one of the most sought-after new age directors of the country and is a taskmaster. So, there is a nervousness if I will be able to do justice. So yes, I am looking forward to it.

Also read | Reasons to watch Amazon Prime Video’s Mirzapur

Q. You are one of the television actors tasting success in Bollywood. How has been your journey?

I have not even begun to be true. I am just five films old, so have not really done things I want to do. There is a lot to explore. I still have to be consistent with my performances. Justify what is written on the paper. So, maybe in the future, I can answer you.

Q. Small budget films are attracting audiences and supporting characters are getting recognition. There’s a lot of change in Bollywood. What would you say?

When I was working in the television industry, I was sure this change would happen. It will only get better with time. The star-driven phenomenon is diminishing. We see smaller budget films which are rich in content working, especially in the last few years. For me, when I choose a script, a lot of my personality comes into play. The kind of stories I read or hear or see are the stories I want to be part of, but it is important to have a relatability factor. That is also because I believe that films are reflective of society. So, what matters to me, I try to put it on screen. I also believe the medium is extremely powerful. I want to be able to make my audience feel. I think that is most important.

My inclination has been towards socially relevant scripts that has a message and a relatability factor. I started with Balika Vadhu so there is an image of me that I want to do socially relevant films, and I have no problem with it.