Vijay Varma: The Chameleon of OTT — From ‘Gully Boy’ to ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ and the Rise of a New-Age Star
Vijay Varma: The Chameleon of OTT — From ‘Gully Boy’ to ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ and the Rise of a New-Age Star
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, a handful of actors break through the noise with sheer, undeniable talent. Vijay Varma is one such phenomenon. Having navigated a decade of struggle, he has emerged in the ‘post-OTT era’ as a powerhouse performer, a critic’s darling, and a star whose mere presence can elevate a project. Known for his captivating portrayals of morally complex and often dark characters, Varma has recently made headlines for his versatile shift into a romantic lead and his honest discourse on personal struggles, solidifying his status as one of the most compelling actors of the current generation. His journey is a testament to perseverance—a true underdog story of an FTII graduate who went from selling SIM cards to owning every screen he graces.
The Unexpected Breakthrough: A Decade in the Making
Vijay Varma’s ascent was far from an overnight success. Born in a Marwari business family in Hyderabad, his pursuit of acting was an act of rebellion, culminating in a graduation from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. His early career was marked by small but significant roles in films like Chittagong (2012) and Monsoon Shootout (2017).
His first major crack in the mainstream wall came with Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s 2016 social thriller, Pink. Playing Ankit Malhotra, one of the central antagonists, Varma held his own against veterans, and his authentic, chilling performance helped spark a crucial national conversation on consent. This role marked a significant turning point, bringing him much-needed mainstream prominence.
However, it was Zoya Akhtar’s 2019 musical drama, Gully Boy, that truly made him a household name. As Moeen Arif, the protagonist’s morally ambiguous friend and streetwise hustler, Varma delivered a performance layered with complexity and unpolished energy. The role not only earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor but also showcased his ability to humanize even the most flawed characters, a trait that would define his future successes.
The Reign of the OTT Chameleon
The advent of streaming platforms provided the perfect canvas for Vijay Varma’s distinctive talent. He embraced the long-form format, diving into characters that defied easy categorization and quickly becoming the face of high-quality, non-traditional content.
The Apex of Darkness: ‘Darlings’ and ‘Dahaad’
Two roles, in particular, cemented his reputation for mastering the ‘villain’ or ‘morally gray’ territory:
- Darlings (2022): In the black comedy, Varma played Hamza Shaikh, an abusive husband. His chillingly authentic portrayal of a man battling his own demons while inflicting pain on others was unsettling yet powerful. Critics praised his performance for its sheer menace and for contributing heavily to the film’s emotional intensity.
- Dahaad (2023): This was a career highlight. Playing Anand Swarnakar, a mild-mannered serial killer hiding in plain sight, Varma delivered a spine-chilling performance that was a unique combination of charm and menace. The role earned him the prestigious Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series (Critics), a testament to his commanding presence and nuanced performance that kept audiences on edge.
The Versatile Spectrum: From Cop to Captain
Varma demonstrated his range by skillfully pivoting away from pure villainy into complex heroic and anti-heroic roles:
- Kaalkoot (2023): He played Sub-inspector Ravi Shankar Tripathi, a conflicted rookie cop investigating a horrific acid attack case. This performance was raw, emotional, and added significant depth, making his character relatable and deeply impactful.
- Jaane Jaan (2023): As Inspector Karan Anand, Varma brought intensity and intrigue to the character, balancing the complexities of a cop in a layered crime thriller.
- IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024): In this historical thriller series, Varma stepped into the shoes of a real-life hero, Captain Sharan (based on Captain Devi Sharan), delivering a nuanced performance that brought out his character’s calm strength and grounded the series in an emotional core.
- Mirzapur (2020-present): Playing the dual role of twin brothers in the popular series, Varma showcased his range further by switching effortlessly between two vastly different personalities, a challenge that he executed with critical acclaim.
A Bold New Direction: The Romantic Lead in ‘Gustaakh Ishq’
In a surprising and much-anticipated move, Vijay Varma is set to shed his ‘Bad Guy’ persona for a purely romantic role in the upcoming theatrical release, Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa. Scheduled for release on November 28, 2025, the film is a romantic entertainer set in Old Delhi and the kothis of Punjab, co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh and Naseeruddin Shah.
Varma himself admitted he was surprised to be offered the part, noting that he felt the script—which celebrates the little joys of life—was a conscious attempt by the filmmakers to showcase an untapped side of his acting abilities. The role of Nawabuddin promises a softer, more real, and raw performance, contrasting sharply with the larger-than-life, explosive, or murderous narratives he has recently dominated. This shift is a calculated risk that further highlights his desire for versatility and his commitment to breaking the stereotype of the ‘negative character’ he once feared.
Beyond the Screen: Personal Milestones and Honesty
Varma’s appeal is magnified by his candidness and inspiring personal story. His honest recounting of his early struggles and his admission of battling severe depression and anxiety has resonated deeply with his audience. In a candid conversation, he revealed that therapy, yoga, and the support of friends were crucial in his healing journey, using his platform to promote mental health awareness.
In his personal life, he has also been in the public eye for his relationship with actress Tamannaah Bhatia, which became a significant point of media interest between 2023 and 2025. Furthermore, reflecting his rising success, Varma achieved a personal milestone in 2025 by moving into a new, sea-facing apartment in Juhu, Mumbai.
Style and Artistry
As an actor, Varma is praised as a ‘method actor’ who seamlessly integrates into commercial cinema. He is recognized for his ‘chameleon-like deftness,’ bringing layers of relatability, humor, or quirkiness to his characters, a quality that humanizes his darkest roles and makes them endearing, not just menacing.
His experimental fashion sense has also garnered attention, further cementing his image as a stylish, new-age star unafraid to express himself both on and off the screen.
Conclusion: The Star Who Just Got Justice
Vijay Varma’s journey—from a struggling outsider who felt ‘unnoticed’ to a critically acclaimed, award-winning lead actor—is a profound success story in the Hindi film industry. His dedication to his craft, his willingness to take risks with roles like the romantic lead in Gustaakh Ishq, and his consistent delivery of compelling performances have served him well. As Varma himself has noted, his current success feels like ‘insaaf hua hai’ (justice has been served). With a promising slate of upcoming projects and a proven track record of versatility, Vijay Varma is not just an actor on the rise; he is a defining force of the new cinematic era, eagerly watched by critics and audiences alike for his next unpredictable, brilliant turn.
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