Exclusive! Dharmesh Vyas: I have drawn inspirations from my mentor Homi Wadia who excels in the thriller genre

Dharmesh Vyas gave his stellar performances in Gujarati films like 'Romance Complicated', 'Rupiyo Nach Nachave', 'Order Order Out Of Order', and many more. The star who always runs on a long track is one of the multi-talented actors who enjoy good fan following. Post the lockdown he is amongst one who is working back to back on his upcoming films. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes here's what he has to say about his film 'Rahasyam'.
Read here...
Finally, the most awaited film's poster is unveiled, it looks dark and spooky...
I don't want to spill beans about 'Rahasyam', but this flick is different. It is on the dark side, the team is very strong. I and Rakshaji are working together after a gap of 36 years. She is a mind-blowing actress; at the age of 75, her energy is contagious. Nisarg is my dear friend and he is on the board along with two lovelies Jayesh more and Ojas Rawal. The audience will love them as they are fantabulous performers. I have drawn inspiration from my mentor Homi Wadia who excels in the thriller genre. I am happy to be donning the hat of creativity alongside working in various departments including casting, script, and screenplay writing. This process is extremely fun. It's mere 7 days on the floor and in this short time, I felt that even if this turns out to be a bilingual film it will create the same impact across the nation for cinema lovers. I even proposed to producers and financiers to make this bilingual. It will be an awesome experience all in all.
What is 'Rahasyam' all about?
The teaser poster creates a stir in a digital platform, but a lot has been invested mentally before releasing it. There were over 20 odd designs for the first teaser look but I agreed to this. As it's a suspense thriller everyone is a suspect. You never know a male or female character. As a creative Producer Dhwani also stamped on this design and after a strenuous yet interesting brainstorming session we zeroed on this poster for Rahasyam. Amit Rughani has done a tremendous job, it's his second directorial venture and he will go places. He is very good, I must say real good director and this is his forte.
You are also the Creative head, what according to you is the reason for having an ensemble cast?
The reason why this particular film is star-studded because it’s a very interesting story. Talking about myself, as you said 'Order Order out of Order' therein I was playing father who’s a lawyer and now I am playing a Supercop in 'Rahasyam'. I must say it was mind-blowing. This film is interesting for minus dramatization. Ojas and Jayesh are playing a different role, which will be quite interesting to watch out for, the same goes for Nisarg. This whole casting process was on my shoulder and I feel looking at the cast I did a decent job. Given the characters in the film, three important characters are played by Rakshaben, Nisarga, and I. Jayesh and Ojas are sub-characters but I must say a very interesting addition to subplots.
You are playing a bad cop in 'Rahasyam', how challenging was the role?
The film is written so beautifully and every character has something to offer. I am playing a bad cop but the audience will not be able to make out till the end given my positive approach throughout the film. This thread is followed in every character and everyone is a suspect as I mentioned before. I must say the writing of the film is immaculate. If you involve your audience till the revelation you have followed the thriller cinema suit and I must say the battle is won.
How exciting was it to collaborate with Yash Vaidya and team, please elaborate about your experience uniting with them on a thriller project?
Yash as a producer is a mind-blowing person. But I told him that you are in the wrong line, given his simple and sober personality. But I must say he is well educated and working with him has been a great experience. Our first venture 'Cardiogram' hit the right chords and from there onwards, I, Yash, and Dhwani are a force to reckon with. I feel proud to share that our collaboration is coming up with at least 5-6 projects. Yash Vaidya is an advertising and event personnel. I will share a shocking revelation that we have not even shot half of this film and we are going on the floor with a new film on the 25th of this month. We will start the shoot, we are good to go. Lockdown has come as a blessing in disguise as we have worked on various scripts and plots. I am very thrilled and excited as for the first time I am playing such a role on the silver screen. I am waiting for films to hit the theatres because I am sure the audience will have a gala time.
How was working with Dhwani Gautam for this project?
What to say about Dhwani Gautam, my god he is a gem of a person. To me, he is my younger brother. To me and Yash having Dhwani as the creative producer on the board is like we have a master key to any problem. Dhwani has solutions for everything. He is a cool and calm guy, he can handle any problem with composed stature. Everyone in the industry is shocked to the core, Dhwani Gautam, such a maverick director, is essaying the role of creative producer in the project. Looking at DG you get excited and energetic vibes. Lastly talking about Amit Rughani, Subhash Ghai academy graduate, he is such a trained and focused guy. He is very silent in his approach and I must say he is so poised and calm that you will not be able to make out that he is the director of the film. I must say the new generation promises a load of a talented young bunch of directors.
How is this film Hatke from many other thriller films you have worked in the past?
As a creative and lead actor, I didn't find it very challenging given my theatrical background where I have played the lead and directed as well. It becomes easy on the floor as I have clarity about my role and the script of the film. Yes, paperwork was involved but post that once the film was on the floor it has become easy for me.
How did you manage acting and also being involved creatively in the project?
While I was finalizing the film's story and sat for the screenplay I made it very clear I don't want any song sequence in the film. There were loads of discussions regarding that, but when the writer came from Bombay and contemplated over the final draft he was blown away considering the writing is so tight and crisp there is no room for the song. Also, this genre captivates the audience with strong storytelling so no point in placing the song. For the first time, we are foraying into a suspense thriller genre and the audience will love the output for sure.
One thing that you love about your character in the 'Rahasyam'?
The best part about my character which will surprise our audiences is that I am not wearing a cop's uniform throughout the film. This has a different element to it as the new character will never recognize me as a cop unless I flash the revolver. This touch is brilliant. I have underplayed this character and the tone is very subtle. I must say I am having fun playing a cop in this suspense thriller.