He makes you laugh, then scares you: Vineeth on his character in 'Dheeran'

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A vibrant printed kurta, kohl-rimmed eyes, and a mysterious air — that’s how we first meet Abubacker Haji, selling kohl in the bustling markets of Erode. That’s also how the film ‘Dheeran’ begins. In a film that has earned praise for its vintage performances, actor Vineeth delivers an image-breaking act — a complete departure in both dialogue delivery and body language. As Abubacker Haji, he manages to make you laugh and feel uneasy, often at the same time. In this conversation with Manorama Online, Vineeth reflects on playing one of the most unique characters of his career and shares his hopes for contemporary Malayalam cinema.
‘Dheeran’ is a fun ride
“It was director Devadath Shaji who approached me directly to play the role of Abubacker Haji,” says Vineeth. “After our discussion, I read the full script — I always do, because only then can I understand the full arc of a character. From that first reading, it was clear that ‘Dheeran’ was a fun film. A light-hearted ride featuring a group of innocent rural characters.”
He adds that Abubacker’s role had a caricature-like quality to it, which made it especially enjoyable to portray. “The lorry journey scenes with Abubacker were very entertaining. Arun and Rajesh Madhavan, who acted alongside me, complemented my role beautifully. Devadath is a gifted writer and director. Rajesh delivered a terrific performance. And then there was the whole gang — Manoj, Sudheesh, Ashokan chettan, Jagadish chettan — it was a joy working with all of them.”
He makes you laugh, then scares you
Abubacker Haji stands apart from any character Vineeth has done before. “He has grey shades, but humour is laced throughout. His menace is what makes the audience laugh,” he says. “I asked Devadath if I could give him a North Malabar (Neeleswaram) slang, and he agreed. That added a local flavour which audiences really enjoyed.”
Instead of a typical white kurta, the director opted for a colourful printed one and kohl-lined eyes — a look that instantly set the character apart. “There’s also a brutal murder committed by Abubacker in the film,” says Vineeth. “The way it was filmed really heightened the tension. That scene was essential to make Eldhose’s character feel fear, and it worked. The writing made that moment land.”
Despite the positive responses, Vineeth admits that the film is struggling to draw audiences to theatres. “Everyone who’s watched ‘Dheeran’ has said good things. But that word-of-mouth hasn’t yet translated into footfall. Maybe it’s the rain. It’s a little worrying for the producers because the entertainment value is definitely there.”
From romantic hero to grey-shaded roles
“In the early days of my career, I mostly played romantic leads,” he recalls. “Even then, there was variety in the characters — like in ‘Rithubhedam’, ‘Idanazhiyil Oru Kaalocha’, ‘Nakakshathangal’, ‘Gazal’, ‘Maanathe Vellitheru’, ‘Kabooliwala’, and ‘Parinayam’.”
Later, he began exploring negative and grey roles in films like ‘Bavootiyude Namathil’, ‘Mazhavillu’, ‘Moonnamathoral’, and ‘Chemistry’. “Even in ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’, I played a character with grey shades. I consider it a blessing to be offered roles I haven’t done before. At this stage in my career, I’d much rather do characters that stay in people’s minds — even if it’s just one scene or one shot — than take on many forgettable ones.”
What’s next?
Looking ahead, Vineeth has a promising slate. “I’ve played a good role in the upcoming film ‘Kathanar’. I’m also part of a web series titled ‘Secret Stories: Roslin’, presented by Jeethu Joseph. It’s a powerful subject, and I believe it will showcase Jeethu’s signature magic.”
“One of the best things about getting older is that I’m now being approached for more diverse characters,” Vineeth adds. “And that, I believe, is a gift.”