Why Will Heroes Never Be Remembered Without a Villain?

Mumbai, May 1 (NationPress) Riteish Deshmukh shared his insights on the critical role of villains in films, asserting that the strength of a movie often hinges on the intricacy of its antagonist.

In a heartfelt discussion about character dynamics, the actor stressed that the heart of an engaging story is embedded in conflict — one that flourishes when both the hero and villain are given equal significance. During a frank exchange, the 'Masti' actor articulated that it isn’t merely about heroes and villains in isolation, but rather the broader journey that unfolds as these characters collide. He asserts that a truly unforgettable hero is forged only when confronted with a formidable challenge — a powerful villain.

Referencing iconic films such as 'Mr. India' and 'Raid', Riteish highlighted how characters like Mogambo and Saurabh Shukla’s antagonist in 'Raid' amplified the hero's narrative, rendering the story unforgettable.

The actor remarked to IANS, “More than just the hero or the villain, it’s fundamentally about the character. A narrative genuinely comes alive when there’s a potent clash. To fabricate that tension, both characters must hold equal strength. Often, for the hero to genuinely shine, the villain must maintain dominance until the ultimate moment. It’s like this — traversing a speed bump isn’t thrilling, but conquering Mount Everest is. The more arduous the journey for the protagonist, the more captivating it becomes for the audience. That’s why the villain must be superior. Engaging in such a fierce portrayal of an antagonist is a remarkable challenge.”

The 'Marjaavaan' actor further elaborated that the antagonist doesn’t have to monopolize screen time but should be crafted with sufficient depth and allure to challenge the hero meaningfully.

“Every film where the hero becomes iconic is significantly due to a fascinating villain. Without a compelling antagonist, heroes seldom leave a lasting impression. It’s the hurdle the hero must surpass that makes their journey unforgettable. Consider Mr. India — it’s unforgettable largely due to Mogambo. In Maharani, it’s Sanjay Dutt’s character that captivates, creating that essential tension the hero must confront.”

Riteish concluded, “You appreciated Raid because Saurabh Shukla delivered an exceptional performance, enriching the narrative. This highlights the importance of portrayal — whether the antagonist’s role is extensive or limited is inconsequential. What truly matters is how captivatingly it’s represented. This principle isn’t novel — it has held true historically, holds relevance today, and will persist in the future. Every great narrative necessitates a challenge and a villain, an element that will forever remain indispensable.”

Riteish Deshmukh, celebrated for his impactful antagonist roles in films like “Ek Villain” and “Marjaavaan,” depicts a corrupt politician in his forthcoming film, “Raid 2.”

Co-starring Ajay Devgn, the film premiered in theaters on Labor Day, May 1.