Actor-filmmaker R Madhavan says receiving the Padma Shri has added a new sense of responsibility to his career, even as he basks in the success of Dhurandhar, one of the most talked-about films of the year.In a recent conversation with DD News, the actor reflected on the significance of being honoured with the prestigious civilian award and how it has changed his outlook towards his work.“This award made me realise that it comes with responsibility. There is prestige attached to it, but there is also a sense of duty. It feels like everything I have done so far is only the beginning. People will now expect more from me, and I will have to uphold an even higher standard than before,” Madhavan said.The actor admitted that while selecting films, the Padma Shri honour now occasionally influences his thought process.“When selecting a role, I first ask whether it suits my personality and fits into my body of work. Somewhere later in the process, the thought comes up whether a Padma Shri recipient should take on a particular role,” he shared.
Dhurandhar worked because everyone believed in the story
Madhavan also opened up about the phenomenal response to Dhurandhar, saying the film’s success stemmed from the team’s collective commitment to telling an important story rather than chasing commercial gains.“I’ve always believed that when a film is backed by solid research and is made with the genuine desire to tell an important story—not merely to make money—it can never be ordinary,” he said.According to the actor, every member of the cast and crew was deeply invested in the project.“In the case of Dhurandhar, every actor and technician was deeply invested in the project. It became difficult to separate the character from the performer because everyone was so committed,” Madhavan explained.He further said that the film’s portrayal of a progressive and empowered India resonated strongly with audiences, particularly young viewers.“The film tells the story of a progressive, advanced and empowered India. When stories like that are told honestly, people connect with them. Young audiences came to theatres and felt proud after watching the film,” he said.
‘The film has to win’
Reflecting on his career choices, Madhavan stressed that he has never approached a project with the intention of making his own role stand out above the rest.“My responsibility is to give everything I have to the character. I never enter a film thinking that my role should be the one audiences remember the most. To me, that’s a greedy approach because it doesn’t help the film,” he said.The actor added that the success of the overall project remains more important than individual praise.“If the film doesn’t work, individual appreciation means very little. Ultimately, the film has to win,” Madhavan concluded.
