A Decade of ‘Ugly’: Vineet Kumar Singh Reflects on His Growth in Storytelling Through Film

Mumbai, Dec 26 (NationPress) Actor Vineet Kumar Singh is commemorating the 10th anniversary of his film ‘Ugly’, which received critical acclaim at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival. The actor noted that the film not only posed challenges as an actor but also provided invaluable lessons about storytelling.

Directed by Anurag Kashyap, ‘Ugly’ is a dark thriller that centers around the kidnapping of a young girl. Vineet took on the role of an aspiring actor and casting director, whose questionable motives and dubious actions added depth to the narrative. His skillful depiction of desperation and moral ambiguity made him an integral part of Ugly’s gripping and unpredictable storyline.

Reflecting on the film, Vineet expressed, “It’s a film that will always remain dear to me. ‘Ugly’ allowed me to be part of Anurag sir’s vision and delve into a character that was both layered and fascinating. It not only challenged me as an actor but also taught me so much about storytelling.”

The film premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, and garnered widespread acclaim at festivals like the Ladakh International Film Festival, the New York Indian Film Festival, and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.

‘Ugly’ is regarded as a benchmark in Hindi cinema for its themes, storytelling, and direction. Kashyap opted to shoot the entire film without providing the lead actors with a script, believing that this approach was essential for the film’s authenticity.

During production, he would give the actors a brief overview of each scene and allow them to express themselves naturally while the camera was rolling. The cast only learned about the film's full context during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Kashyap had informed actors like Bhat and others that he intended to create this film in 2012. In one memorable sequence, where Rahul Bhat was required to cry, Kashyap engaged him in conversation for three hours, leading to an emotional breakdown as the camera continued to roll. The film was shot extensively in real locations.