“I like to be known as an actor with villainous persona, rather than be a lead character.” This is said by none other than Unni P. Rajan Dev, son of veteran actor Rajan P. Dev. Eternally known for his villainous roles, the late actor continues to remain one of the favourite baddies of all time. Like father, like son. Unni is also prepared to have the same destiny. “I have had a special interest for villain ous characters since my childhood, probably because my father used to do such roles.
Throughout the film, villains have a powerful character except at the end, where they fail. But that keeps the audience in their seats and creates an impact. So I like to be known as a villain,” says Unni. Five films-old Unni, 21, is marking his entry in a villainous role in the upcoming movie, Inspector Dawood Ibrahim aka IDI as Z.
“My role is that of a technically brilliant robber, who at the same time, is so carefree. Director Sajid Yahiya and screenwriter Arouz Irfan are my good friends. I knew them from the time I did Zachariyayude Garbhinikal. So when his first project came about, he called me. It was a great set and a tremendous experience working with them. Till now, I have done comedy roles for most of the movies, but this is the first time I am playing a negative character. Sajid Ikka left with me the freedom to act in my way. So I hope I have done my best,” says Unni.
His favourite villains were characterised by Raghuvaran and Thilakan, apart from his father. “They all were silent villains. I am also looking forward to have the same characterisation,” he says. On his father, he explains, “Daddychan used to take me to sets to let go of my fear of camera. I used to observe a lot, and when I started working, I understood it was a tough job. Daddychan made us act at home, and he used to be like the father in Thommanum Makkalum,” reminisces Unni.
The actor had a role throughout the movie Aadu Oru Bheegara Jeeviyanu, and IDI is Unni's second movie with Jayasurya. “I was very comfortable working with Jayasurya. He supported me very much,” says Unni. The actor finished his studies in sound engineering from Chennai and is planning to be active in the film industry.
