"I Worked Hard as a Hero, but Success Came as a Villain" – Shivaji

The film Court has become the talk of the industry since its release last Friday. The movie, produced under Nani’s banner, has emerged as a major success. Actor Shivaji, who played the antagonist in the film, has received critical acclaim for his performance. In a recent interview with a YouTube channel, Shivaji spoke about his journey in the industry and his transformation from a hero to a villain.

"I have done several films as a lead actor in the past, putting in immense dedication and hard work. However, the stardom I aspired for never came my way," he said.

He reflected on the struggles he faced, stating, "The more I worked without achieving stardom, the more frustration and determination grew within me. I was constantly introspecting. It was during this phase that the character of Mangapathi came to me. The moment I heard the story, I felt as if the role had possessed me. I realized this was the kind of role I had been waiting for all along, so I accepted it without a second thought."

Shivaji also shared his admiration for legendary villains of Telugu cinema. "Since childhood, I have enjoyed the performances of actors like S. V. Ranga Rao, Rao Gopal Rao, Nagabhushanam, and Nutan Prasad. They brought villainy to life through their powerful dialogues. I always wanted to portray such a character, and this film fulfilled that dream. Ironically, the stardom I sought as a hero came to me through a villain role. I now look forward to playing more powerful antagonist roles in the future," he said.