When Darlings director Jasmeet K Reen briefed Vijay Varma on his role, she explained that the character should be able to evoke dread merely by walking into a room. The violence, she stated, should be “felt” rather than shown on screen.

“You feel the dread, but you barely see any violence inflicted by Hamza [Varma’s character]. He gets beaten up more than he beats up people, but the fear still works,” reflects Varma, who is nominated in the Best Actor: Film category at the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist OTT Awards.

In Netflix’s dark comedy, the actor plays a bullied ticket-collector who vents out his frustration by abusing his wife Badrunissa, played by Alia Bhatt. He read Hamza as a man who wants to become better, but cannot overcome his cynical and abusive tendencies. Admitting that it was  a risky choice, he is glad that the role has won him audience’s love and critical acclaim.

“There aren’t too many men who would choose such a role. I took the chance, and believed in Jasmeet. I felt that the story [of domestic violence] needed to be told.”

He credits Bhatt for elevating his performance. “Alia is a hands-on actor. None of her takes is similar; she always throws surprises at you.”

Darlings has not only brought new audiences to Varma, but also diverse offers to pick from. “A few years ago, I decided to focus on doing lead parts. Darlings is one of the first steps towards that. There is also a constant pursuit to [choose] material that surprises me.”

Vijay Varma has been nominated in the Best Actor (Male): Film category for Darlings.

The other nominees are:

- Diljit Dosanjh (Jogi)

- Paresh Rawal (Sharmaji Namkeen)

- Rajkummar Rao (Monica O My Darling)

- Rishi Kapoor (Sharmaji Namkeen)

- Vicky Kaushal (Govinda Naam Mera)

There are 16 categories that the public can vote in. Log on to www.radiocity.in/hitlistott to cast your vote.

Voting lines close on February 22.