Manoj Bajpayee to reunite with Ram Gopal Varma for a new film: ‘We are trying to find time’ | Hindi Movie News

Bollywood veteran Manoj Bajpayee, renowned for his unforgettable performance as Bhiku Mhatre in the cult classic ‘Satya’ (1998), is set to reunite with his iconic director Ram Gopal Varma for an upcoming project.
During a conversation with The Indian Express, Bajpayee confirmed the much-anticipated collaboration, marking their first film together in over two decades.
Sharing the news, Bajpayee expressed excitement about teaming up with Varma again. “The good news is that he is going to make his next with me. We are trying to find some time and figure out dates. He is not off the radar. He was just taking a long break. He was chilling out. We all envied him, in the manner he chilled out,” said the actor.
The duo’s previous collaborations, including Satya, Kaun (1999), Shool (1999), and Road (2002), remain celebrated milestones in Indian cinema, with Satya often regarded as a turning point in the gangster genre.
Reflecting on his career-defining role as Bhiku Mhatre, Bajpayee acknowledged the challenges of moving beyond such a memorable character. “It would have [constricted me], had I not taken a different path by exploring various roles and genres. For three years, I was only known as Bhiku Mhatre. It was only after Shool, Kaun, and Zubeidaa that people started separating the actor from the character. To my luck, all of those roles became quite memorable.”
When asked if he would portray Bhiku Mhatre differently now, Bajpayee replied, “Craft-wise, maybe. But Bhiku Mhatre in that age required that kind of energy. I wouldn’t have been able to do it like that now. My bones are cracking most of the time, and I’m always careful while jumping around. Every age has its own beauty.”
The actor’s upcoming projects also include Despatch, a much-awaited crime thriller.