Vikram Vedha actor Manuj Sharma on working with his favourites Hrithik and Saif and how the film is a fresh look on the Vikram-Betaal folklore

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While Vikram Vedha is taking the nation by storm with Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan showing what a battle of the titans looks like, the fine ensemble really shines in the star-studded show. 'Bhootnath Returns' actor Manuj Sharma who plays Deepak in the film has impressed everyone with his scene stealing performance. "I play an honest cop in the special squad run by Vikram (played by Saif). When the character realises that the squad is engaging in illegal activities, he wants to leave. Vikram explains to him how to tackle gangsters and Deepak even saves his life. There is a great bonding between him and Vikram where the latter starts relying on him. But I betray him in the climax. My character shows the indoctrination that happens in the system."

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Sharma credits Casting Bay for giving him the opportunity. "They auditioned me. I was shortlisted and the directors Gayathri and Pushkar met me. It was a 10 minute meeting that went on for an hour. They asked me about my background and I tried to figure out their way of working. I tried to understand their thinking process for the film. They had also made the original which was a stellar movie. The movie is important for me because I love thrillers. I have grown up hearing the tales of Vikram and Betaal so to play a part in retelling of your favourite folklore is special. The talented people you have made the film and the star cast makes you learn so much. I have been huge fans of Saif Sir and Hrithik Sir. I play a cop for the first time also."

Though based on a hit Tamil flick by the same name, Sharma wanted his approach to be fresh. "I had watched the original way back. But after auditioning for this film, I genuinely never thought of the original. The idea was to take a fresh look. They wanted to make new changes to the story and I didn't want our film to have a hangover of the original. The process was simple - workshopping thoroughly."

Since Sharma has most of his scenes, ask him how the experience of working with him. He says with a gush. "It was heartening. Saif sir used to rehearse the scene again and again. The directors were always there to guide us. We would work on every minute detail - from the tone and twang. My major takeaway from working with him was that rehearsal is key to a wholesome performance."

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