Pushpa 2: Fahadh Faasil’s SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat To Rule?
When Pushpa: The Rule helmed by Allu Arjun and Rashmika is about to hit the theatres, there is one character everyone is wondering how it is going to turn out: Fahadh Faasil’s SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. As fans across India waiting, Fahadh Faasil in Pushpa: The Rule is expected to be another feather in the glittering crown of the versatile actor.
There is a reason behind the national interest for Fahadh Faasil. The Covid lockdowns had made huge impact in the understanding of films and film industries a lot. The biggest beneficiaries in India in this development was the vernacular industries, especially the Malayalam film industry. When people limited themselves inside their houses and the only fresh entertainment seemed like the OTT platforms, they were given massive options to choose from. Right after that, they started talking about the best movies they had watched on each hours and days. Many threads and social media posts after, a national phenomenon emerged: That many have become the fans of one Malayalam actor after watching his performances in his films before 2020.
Interestingly, all his notable performances happened before 2020 Pushpa: The Rise (2021), including Chaappa Kurishu (2011), 22 Female Kottayam (2012), Diamond Necklace (2012), Annayum Rasoolum (2013), Amen (2013), North 24 Kaatham (2013), Artist (2013), Oru Indian Pranayakadha (2013), Bangalore Days (2014), Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014), Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016), Take Off (2017), Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017), Varathan (2018), Njan Prakashan (2018), Kumbalangi Nights (2019), Trance (2020), Velaikkaran (2017) and Super Deluxe (2019).
Fahadh Faasil being introduced in Pushpa 2 trailer
So, when Pushpa: The Rise (2021) was released, the nation was waiting to see how Fahadh Faasil is going to perform in a role that has pan India appeal. However, Pushpa: The Rise, significantly boosted his visibility and acclaim on a national scale. Already a celebrated actor his portrayal of SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat in Pushpa marked his foray into the Telugu film industry, opening him up to a broader Indian audience. Fahadh, though he appears in the latter half of the story, brought a nuanced intensity to the role of a cunning and unpredictable police officer, establishing himself as a formidable presence against Allu Arjun’s titular character, Pushpa Raj.
The film, a massive commercial success, was praised for its gripping narrative and stellar performances, with Fahadh’s character serving as a key catalyst for the climactic tension. His ability to hold his own against a superstar like Allu Arjun and still leave an indelible mark underscored his versatility and acting prowess.
Fahadh Faasil: Screengrab from Pushpa 2 trailer
Though he had done serious and versatile characters in movies like Kumbalangi Nights and Iyyobinte Pusthakam, in Pushpa, Fahadh’s subtle yet menacing portrayal of Shekhawat showcased his talent for embodying morally ambiguous characters. The layered complexity he brought to the role—a mix of arrogance, charm, and underlying menace—caught the attention of viewers across India, many of whom were experiencing his work for the first time, especially from the theatres. His mastery of expression, dialogue delivery, and the psychological depth he infused into the character resonated well beyond regional boundaries, earning him widespread appreciation and setting the stage for his role in the sequel, Pushpa: The Rule.
Pushpa: The Rise, not the first outing of the Malayalam star out of the industry. He debuted in Tamil with Velaikkaran (2017), playing a corporate villain, Adhi, whose polished exterior hides a ruthless core. He further solidified his reputation with a captivating performance in Super Deluxe (2019) as Mugil, a flawed yet relatable man experiencing personal and moral crises. His collaboration with Kamal Haasan in Vikram (2022) as the earnest and determined Amar further enhanced his profile, blending his innate intensity with a more action-oriented role.
Fahadh Faasil: Screengrab from Pushpa 2 trailer
After Vikram, Fahadh’s versatility was used in Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan (2023) in which he portrayed Rathnavelu, a complex antagonist driven by caste pride and political ambition. As a domineering and cunning figure, he embodies privilege and prejudice, challenging the titular character’s fight for equality. Fahadh’s restrained yet menacing performance adds depth to Rathnavelu, highlighting his ability to humanise layered villains. Then in 2024, he was seen in Vettaiyan, along with Superstar Rajinikanth. Though a supporting role, In Vettaiyan, Fahadh Faasil’s performance as Patrick, a sharp-witted sidekick, shines alongside Rajinikanth, evoking the Vikramaditya-Vedal legend with a fresh twist. Fahadh’s nuanced acting, clever one-liners, and captivating mannerisms keep the audience engaged. Though less complex than his roles in Maamannan and Vikram, his brilliance remained undeniable and compelling in Vettaiyan.
Fahadh’s chameleonic ability to adapt to diverse characters, from soft-spoken and vulnerable to chillingly calculative, has made him a favourite among filmmakers and audiences alike.
