Wamiqa Gabbi: Swag seen in Atlee’s films is imbibed, learnt

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What happens when a Vishal Bhardwaj and Vikramaditya Motwane heroine steps into Atlee's cinematic world? A whole lot of learning. Wamiqa Gabbi, who is shooting for Atlee's production - reportedly titled Baby John - in Kochi, is enjoying picking up the larger-than-life quality associated with his movies. "That swag you see in Atlee sir's films is imbibed and learnt, then mirrored on screen. This film nurtures a different side of me as an actor. The aura of a commercial, mainstream actor is different. At this point, I'm looking to be surprised and changed as a person. This film is doing that for me," she says.

(From left) Varun Dhawan and Atlee

The action fare, helmed by Kalees, also stars Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh. Gabbi agrees that the movie is dramatically different from the projects she has done so far - be it Motwane's period drama Jubilee (2023) or Bhardwaj's understated spy thriller Khufiya (2023). Her job, she says, is to assimilate in the diverse worlds created by filmmakers. "My process has always been to understand the person I have to play. Sometimes, I give feedback to my director and writer, and that brings out more ideas. Working with Atlee sir has been enriching. After he gave a hit like Jawan [2023], I am lucky he chose me for this film."

Gabbi also considers herself lucky when it comes to her co-star. She praises Dhawan for being a supportive collaborator. "I have seen all of Varun's films, including Badlapur [2015] and October [2018]. While he is the best of the masala film actors we have, he isn't just that. Within him is an actor who is relentless and passionate. Our sense of humour is similar, and we are always cracking silly jokes. He is also a kind person. I had an eye infection and was feeling horrible about missing work, but he was so caring. He joked about it and lightened the mood."

The industry's perception of Gabbi has changed enormously after the six releases she had in 2023, and she is grateful for the roles being offered. "Everything coming my way today is a result of the work that resonated with people last year. The industry looks at me differently now. It all happened in one year."