Interview with Vikrant Massey: Who doesn't love money? i love money

Interview with Vikrant Massey Sector 36

| Video Credit: The Hindu

A lot can happen in a year. Ask Vikrant Massey. He was a tireless civil services candidate in the 2023 sleeper hit 12th failA star-crossed crime reporter in Blackout (2024), a one-armed fugitive Phir Ai Hasin Dilruba (2024), and, in Sector 36Streaming on Netflix from September 13, he transforms into a full-blown serial killer. That’s some trajectory as an actor. Vikrant, who switched to films from television ten years ago, says, “It has been my lifelong ambition to offer different parts.

Vikrant Massey

Directed by newcomer Aditya Nimbalkar, Sector 36 Vikrant plays the role of Prem Singh, a kidnapper and killer of children in Delhi. Although the makers have not clarified their source of inspiration, the events of the film bear similarities to the 2006 Noida serial murders, known as the Nithari murders.

In 2006, Nithari, a village in Noida’s Sector-31, became notorious for its missing children and women, leading to the discovery of skeletons near a large house. Maninder Singh Pandher, the wealthy owner of the house, and his housekeeper, Surinder Koli, were arrested on charges of kidnapping, rape and murder. The accused were sentenced to death in 2017 but later acquitted by the Allahabad High Court in 2023, citing lack of sufficient evidence for acquittal.

Vikrant Massey as Prem in ‘Sector 36’ Photo credit: Netflix

in conversation with HinduVikrant talks about his preparation for the role, his life post 12th failHis take on the death penalty in India, and more. quote…

What is the best serial killer film in your opinion?

David Fincher Se7en (1995). It came at a time when I had made up my mind about wanting to be an actor, and many people around me were talking about that movie. Although the Kevin Spacey character comes in quite late, we know there’s a killer. The build up to what is going to happen is pretty intense. It was a film that definitely had an impact on me.

A still from ‘Sector 36’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

How did you prepare for your role in ‘Sector 36’?

This film was inspired by many true stories, so there were many reference works. There is a book I had to read, Inside the Minds of Serial Killers: Why They KillWhich is about the mentality of some famous serial killers. I also spent time talking to my director and my writer (Bodhayan Roychowdhury). It was a complicated but fun process that lasted 40-45 days.

You had a critical and commercial breakout last year with ’12 Fail’. What has been the most enjoyable aspect of the last 11 months?

Well, more money is coming in and I’m definitely enjoying it (Laughs). Honestly, who doesn’t love money? I love money. Many people say that money can’t buy you happiness. I think this is quite untrue. Money can buy you confidence and that confidence can buy you happiness. So I see it differently.

Furthermore, because 12th failMany more people from the film industry want to work with me. Increased respect and trust. But beyond that, in my inner life and my surroundings, my family and friends, not much has changed. I can still count on them.

The recently released Justice K Hema Committee Report has revealed shocking instances of exploitation and gender-based discrimination in the Malayalam film industry. In the wake of the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata and similar crimes, there has been a nationwide reckoning on the safety of women in the workplace.

As a man, I feel ashamed when I say that I am much safer than the opposite sex. Now is the time for us to come together and see the rot inside first. Change always starts at an individual level. A lot of lip service has been done but not much action. It was especially disappointing to see President Draupadi Murmu resign and express her anger about the situation. If our nation’s president thinks things haven’t moved in the direction they should have years ago, it’s time for a rethink.

What is your position on the death penalty?

The new Indian Nyaya Samhita (BNS), if I’m not mistaken, treats rape as a very, very serious crime. My personal opinion is that death penalty can be given depending on the case. In affecting minors, it must be. This is ultimately the purview of our policy makers. But if you ask me as a father and a regular citizen of the country, rape of minors should be given death penalty and speedy trial. And human rights organizations have to draw the line there. Many things are also delayed because of them. They are an equally important part of our society and we need all kinds of worldviews and mindsets to come together. But even in such highly sensitive cases they have to draw a line.

On a lighter note, I remember seeing you in a film called ‘Switch’ (2021). I have never seen you so uncomfortable in front of the camera. Can you explain?

Have you seen that film? wow (laughter). Well, at that time, I felt it was perfect for me. I was not getting much work. I got a chance to play a commercial antagonist in that movie. With the benefit of hindsight, I can look back on my terrible performance and laugh about it. But I think it’s important to have this kind of experience. If I didn’t switchMany of the decisions I made later in my career I would not have made.

What is your relationship with books?

I try to read every day. Sometimes it is 40 pages a day; Sometimes it’s two pages. Unfortunately, there are weeks without reading due to work. I prefer paperback and hardback. I am a classical, conventional reader. I love my marks and notes. I also use a few apps that track the books I’m currently reading. You can use them to create multiple notes in a paragraph that you like. I haven’t caught up on digital reading yet. or audiobooks. I love the smell of paper.