Actor Vivaan Shah is brimming with energy as he speaks about his experience in Sriram Raghavan’s anti-war drama, Ikkis. Released just over a week ago, the film sees Vivaan stepping into uncharted territory playing an army captain for the first time. Known for taking on unconventional and psychologically layered roles, Vivaan shares how he approached the role, how he landed it, and what the project taught him about acting.
How Vivaan Got the Role
Vivaan admits that his casting in Ikkis involved a remarkable twist of fate. “It was a stroke of luck,” he says. Despite his talent, Vivaan explains that he is rarely considered for army roles because directors often feel he lacks “officer-like qualities.” Yet, Sriram Raghavan’s films are known for their surprises, and Ikkis was no exception.
The casting process started with a case of mistaken identity. “There was some other Vivaan who had been messaging Sriram sir for a while, and he thought that it was me. Sriram sir spoke to him for 2–3 years,” Vivaan recalls. When the director realized the mistake, the team contacted the real Vivaan. “After that, I had to prove myself to get the part. It was purely a coincidence; otherwise, I wouldn’t have landed the role,” he adds.
Preparing for the Role
Stepping into the shoes of an army officer required both mental and physical preparation. Vivaan describes his ‘sculptural method’ of acting, a process in which he carefully molds his performance to align with the character’s emotional depth, physicality, and psychological motivations. “Acting, for me, is like sculpting,” he says. “Every movement, every pause, every expression needs to have a purpose.”
While Ikkis is an anti-war drama, Vivaan believes it aligns seamlessly with Raghavan’s signature storytelling style. “This film doesn’t involve much mystery like his other works, but the tension, psychological layers, and the subtle interplay of human emotions are very much in line with his previous films,” he notes.
On Anti-War Themes and Storytelling
Vivaan reflects on the film’s themes and the responsibility of portraying soldiers with authenticity. “The story highlights the human cost of conflict rather than glorifying war,” he says. “It was important to approach this role with sensitivity and realism. Every decision the character makes comes from a place of duty, fear, and moral conflict.”
He adds that the anti-war narrative did not limit his performance but instead offered a canvas to explore nuanced emotions. From commanding authority to expressing vulnerability, Vivaan worked to strike a balance that felt authentic without ever feeling theatrical.
Looking Forward
With Ikkis now released, Vivaan is already thinking about the future. “I look for roles that challenge me,” he says. “I want to keep exploring characters that require depth, patience, and a disciplined approach.”
Vivaan’s journey reflects a young actor steadily carving a space for himself in Indian cinema, blending thoughtful introspection with physical precision. His commitment to his craft and willingness to take on diverse roles suggest that audiences will continue to see him in roles that are both challenging and memorable.