Jul 14, 2026 9:00pm IST
Jagapathi Babu on Returning to Lead Roles With ‘Vadala’: ‘This film Is An Opportunity To Prove A Point’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Telugu actor Jagapathi Babu, last seen in the Ram Charan-starrer “Peddi,” makes a return to leading roles, his first in 12 years, with the upcoming psychological thriller “Vadala.” The film sees him reunite with leading lady Laya after 25 years. The film arrives in theatres on July 17, 2026 alongside “The Odyssey.”
“Vadala” is a psychological thriller about obsession and Babu’s character is a rather docile one. Of working with Laya, he says, “It is always great to work with Laya. She is supportive, warm, fun and has great energy. Our first film together was ‘Manoharam’ in 2000.”
Admittedly, he’s nervous about this solo outing. He says, “I am doing a movie as the hero after a very long time. This film has come as an opportunity to prove a point. And I'm trying to create a niche for myself where I can do some lead roles in films.”
Related Stories
Mindset shift that worked
The actor has worked with almost every top star in South India after moving on from leading roles to character-driven ones. Grateful for the opportunities, he says. “Filmmakers tagged me along with them creating opportunities to work with the best actors in all languages. I have worked with Vijay, Ajith and Rajinikanth in Tamil movies and with Mohanlal and Mammootty in Malayalam movies. In Hindi, I made my debut with Salman Khan (in ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan). I did a Telugu movie with Amitabh Bachchan (‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy’) as well. This reach was possible only because I made the shift.”
An artist’s call
In Ram Charan’s “Peddi,” now out on streaming, Jagapathi Babu plays the role of Appalasoori and serves as the film’s main catalyst. Addressing the controversy around the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character in the film, he says, “ Well, I think people have been a little harsh. You can spare them because I know it’s the artist’s call [at the end of the day]. I don't want to mention anybody's name because they've been hurt enough. I don't want to get into that kind of a thing. My idea is never to hurt people.”
He further states, “When an artist signs up for a film he or she is in the spot. They can always say no, but it depends from person to person. They might for that moment agree… you never know what a person is thinking. Also, when you sign a big project you need to submit to the filmmaker’s vision. Walking out is again another controversy. But there is no point in thinking about people (haters/trolls) who sit somewhere and bitch about others.”
He is full of praise for the character Buchi Babu Sana wrote for him in “Peddi.” He gushes, “I felt the role was out of the world. People were wondering who this person is? That look was achieved with the help of a great crew. After a long time, I felt I was truly in love with a character. I was on a high throughout the shoot. Though it was a subtle role, it left a great impact.”
Every character matters
The projection of women in cinema is coming under increasing scrutiny with the growth of social media. Talking about roles written especially for women, Babu states he believes a film is never about one single character. He asserts, “One, I am a feminist. Two, cinema is about everybody and not about a single person. Very few directors use all the artists they cast because that would mean there will be a complete character arc for everyone. I want every artist in a film to carry a project on their shoulders. SS Rajamouli says the antagonist should be equally important or more, only then the hero will rise. This is lacking in films and needs to be addressed.”
He cites the example of the movie, “Subhalagnam,” which had actress Aamini in the lead. The 1994 movie was remade in Hindi as “Judaai.” He reminisces, “I remember the director coming up and telling me, ‘Sir, Aamini is taking over the film. You are going to go down. Are you okay with this?’ I said this is her film, in the sense, her character goes overboard and makes the maximum impact. But ultimately, who is the hero of the movie…It is Jagapathi Babu. She is the heroine…you are secure. What is your problem?”
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.