A decade after the theatrical release of Commando featuring Vidyut Jammwal as the protagonist, the franchise has resurfaced, this time as a web series, with a fresh face at the forefront – Prem Parrijaa. The Bhubaneswar boy, after assuming the role of an Assistant Director for several Hindi movies, was selected by eminent filmmaker Vipul Shah to play the lead.
Prem, who got selected from 11,000 aspirants, was recently in his hometown to promote Commando. On the sidelines of the event, Orissa POST caught up with him for a brief interaction.
Here’re the excerpts:
How does it feel to be the first-ever Odia actor to headline a mainstream Hindi series?
I’m overjoyed, and I’m proud of it. It was hard to imagine an Odia boy to lead a series. My emotions burst into tears as Vipul sir announced to me that I was the new commando. It seemed as though my decade-long journey through difficulties had finally come to a conclusion.
What made you decide to switch from direction to acting?
I started out by performing in plays. But for some reasons, I had to assume the role of an AD. My involvement in projects like Batla House and Satyameva Jayate was the turning point in my growth as an actor. I diligently documented insights, tips, and attributes of actors. This made me easier to embrace the medium and I took the plunge.
How did you prepare yourself before making the leap?
I began my preparation after August 2022, when I was roped in as the lead. Over a period of three and a half months leading up to the filming, I engaged in intense training to condition myself for the action sequences. Additionally, I had the privilege of getting guided by the Action Choreographer of Jackie Chan. While Vipul Sir made me the Commando Virat, I would like to thank trainers Rakesh and Abhisekh, for my physical transformation.
Which actors in the business do you admire or look up to?
I’m a SRK fanboy. His dedication to his profession and strong work ethic had a significant impact on me. Besides, my parents have always advised me to strive for excellence in everything I do.
And finally, you are destined to be compared with Vidyut, the lead of the Commando franchise. What you have to say on this?
I don’t believe in comparisons. I think there is enough pie for everyone. The fact that Vidyut Sir has set a bar for the series is exactly why people are drawn to the programme. He is largely responsible for this franchise’s success, and fans are eager to see the new Commando. I’m appreciative of him because he gave me the opportunity to continue the benchmark he created.
MADHUSMITA SAHU, OP