Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 2, 2019)

“Being part of a film like War was a Diwali gift,” gushes Anupria Goenka, who is thrilled with the success of the film. “I really enjoyed shooting the film, especially as it was Aditya Chopra’s production house. It was a homecoming for me as I did Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), with them earlier. Working with Hrithik (Roshan), who gives 110% to his work and Tiger (Shroff), who is so dedicated, was fabulous. The collaboration was a beautiful experience. As I had never played an agent, in a stylised action film, it was a different for me. I tried to maintain a balance between being real and yet being in tune with the rest of the film,” says Anupria.

She hopes that being “part of good stories that work at the box office leads to better work”. So far, she has got a positive response from the industry and is waiting to see how it gets translated to better roles. “It is too soon to say (about projects). But with the role in War, people now feel that I can pull off versatile roles. The space was unlike my previous roles.”

After biggies such as War and Padmaavat (2018), Anupria will now be seen in the upcoming web shows — Asura, co-starring Arshad Warsi, and a political thriller, directed by Prakash Jha. “When you work in big budget films, the vibe on set is different from an OTT show. I enjoy playing intense roles. They are challenging and one has to dig deeper into your personal space to exploit it. You are more vulnerable, too. But I wouldn’t turn away from romantic and comedy roles either. In fact, I want to play a village girl and try to speak different dialects.”

Making his digital debut with Asura, Arshad Warsi steers clear of the genre to avoid being typecast
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 19, 2018)

Arshad Warsi has displayed his flair for comedy with his outings in the Munna Bhai and Golmaal franchise. However, as he forays into the digital space with Voot's original series, Asura, the actor says he would like to restrict the funny man image to the big screen.

"I realised this character was in a similar space as my role in Sehar (2005). I had done the film over a decade back, but no filmmaker explored that side of me after the movie. So, I have decided that I don't want to do comedy on the OTT platform. I don't want to fall into the same trap again. I'll continue doing comedy in cinema, but my desire to do serious roles will be fulfilled on the web."

Ask him if he feels under-utilised in the industry, and he says, "Today, most films belong to the comedy genre, and since I am good at it, people keep offering me similar projects. How many films can I say no to? Also, at the end of the day, one has bills to pay. So, I quietly do what comes my way." A far cry from the guy who brings on the laughs, Warsi will be seen playing a forensic expert in the psychological thriller. "There are several layers to my character, which is a treat for an actor. Plus, this is a gripping and a thoroughly researched thriller."

It's evidently a reason to celebrate then as Arshad Warsi reiterates in a chat with mid-day that the third instalment of Rajkumar Hirani's comedy is in the works
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 14, 2018)

Even with an assortment of projects coming their way, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi's return to the much-loved Munna Bhai franchise remains a constant subject of discussion. It's evidently a reason to celebrate then as Warsi reiterates in a chat with mid-day that the third instalment of Rajkumar Hirani's comedy is in the works.

"Hirani told me he is working on Munna Bhai 3. We all know that he is particular about his films and takes his own time to write them. He doesn't rush into anything, so let's wait for an official announcement," says Warsi. Even though his date diary hasn't been blocked for the film, Warsi says he knows Hirani's team is developing it. "We plan to begin [working on it] towards the end of next year."

While he awaits the commencement of the Dutt starrer, Warsi is currently looking forward to his next, Bhaiaji Superhit, which features Sunny Deol in the leading role. He will also make his web debut with Asura, a psychological thriller that explores the world of forensic science against the mystical mythology of Benaras. "I have only recently joined the project, but this is one role that I was looking forward to. I am doing such an intense part after Sehar [2005]. It is a gripping drama."