Siddhant Issar on father Puneet Issar's role in his acting career
Synopsis
Siddhant Issar credits veteran actor Puneet Issar — his father — for grounding him in Hindi diction and craft from childhood. Now headlining 'Lohitaksha', the first Hindi film set in Odisha and a psychological thriller in the mould of 'Drishyam', Siddhant plays both protagonist and antagonist in a story targeting Gen Z's complicated relationship with social media.
Key Takeaways
Siddhant Issar says father Puneet Issar trained him in Hindi, diction, and speech from a young age, giving him a professional edge.
His film 'Lohitaksha' released in theatres on 23 October and is described as the first Hindi film set in Odisha .
The film is a psychological thriller drawing comparisons to 'Drishyam' and 'Talaash' , with Siddhant playing both protagonist and antagonist. 'Lohitaksha' targets the Gen Z audience by exploring the negative impact of social media on relationships.
Siddhant has performed as Bhagwan Krishna in more than 200 shows and plays Shri Ram in Ramayan Bhaim .
Actor Siddhant Issar has spoken about the profound influence his father, veteran actor Puneet Issar, has had on shaping his professional journey — from mastering diction and speech to navigating the demands of complex on-screen characters.
Learning from a Legend at Home
Siddhant revealed that his training began well before any formal acting school. 'I have been learning from him since a young age. Whether it is Hindi, diction, speech. I got a lot of advantages,' he said. The grounding in language and expression, he added, has given him a distinct edge in the competitive Hindi film industry. Growing up with Puneet Issar — widely known for his iconic roles in Hindi cinema — meant that craft was a constant presence in the household.
About 'Lohitaksha' and Its Dark Themes
Siddhant is currently drawing attention for his role in the psychological thriller 'Lohitaksha', which released in theatres on 23 October. The film holds the distinction of being described as the first Hindi film set in Odisha. Siddhant plays both the main protagonist and antagonist — a complicated, possessive husband who shuns social media and communicates through love letters. 'Lohitaksha means the one who has blood in his eyes,' he explained.
The film draws thematic comparisons to acclaimed psychological dramas 'Drishyam' and 'Talaash'. 'It is a very dark character. It is the first Hindi film that is based on the lines of the Drishyam and Talaash zones. It is a good film,' Siddhant said.
A Message for the Gen Z Audience
A central focus of 'Lohitaksha' is the toxic underbelly of social media — a theme Siddhant believes will resonate strongly with younger viewers. 'The film is made for Gen Z generation. Gen Z uses social media. For them, we have shown the negative side of social media. Because of social media, there are fights and misunderstandings. We have exposed all that. I think Gen Z will connect and relate to the film,' he said.
Performing as Mythological Icons
Beyond mainstream cinema, Siddhant has built a notable parallel career in mythological theatre. He plays Shri Ram in Ramayan Bhaim and Krishna in the Mahabharata, and has performed as Bhagwan Krishna in more than 200 shows before large audiences. This dual identity — intense modern thriller roles alongside revered mythological portrayals — underscores the range the younger Issar has cultivated under his father's mentorship.
What's Next
With 'Lohitaksha' now in theatres, industry observers will watch how the Gen Z-targeted psychological thriller performs at the box office, particularly given its socially relevant theme of digital toxicity. For Siddhant, the film marks a significant step in establishing his own identity beyond his famous surname.
Point of View
And framing his training as a lifelong inheritance from Puneet Issar is a calculated positioning move. More interesting is the film itself: a psychological thriller set in Odisha is a genuine departure from Bollywood's usual geography, and its Gen Z social-media hook speaks to a real cultural anxiety. Whether the box office validates that premise will say as much about Gen Z viewing habits as it does about the film's craft.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Siddhant Issar and what is he known for?
Siddhant Issar is an Indian actor and the son of veteran actor Puneet Issar. He is known for playing mythological roles — including Shri Ram in Ramayan Bhaim and Bhagwan Krishna in over 200 stage shows — and now stars in the psychological thriller 'Lohitaksha'.
What is 'Lohitaksha' about and when did it release?
'Lohitaksha' is a psychological crime thriller released in theatres on 23 October. It is described as the first Hindi film set in Odisha, and follows a possessive husband whose avoidance of social media clashes with its destructive influence around him. The title translates to 'one who has blood in his eyes'.
How did Puneet Issar influence Siddhant Issar's acting career?
Siddhant Issar says he has been learning from his father since childhood, particularly in areas of Hindi, diction, and speech. He credits this early guidance with giving him a professional advantage in the film industry.
Which films is 'Lohitaksha' compared to?
'Lohitaksha' has been compared to 'Drishyam' and 'Talaash' by the actor himself, placing it in the psychological thriller genre. Siddhant describes his character as dark and morally complex.
Why is 'Lohitaksha' targeted at Gen Z audiences?
The film centres on the negative consequences of social media — including conflicts and misunderstandings — which Siddhant believes will resonate with younger, digitally native viewers. He has said the film deliberately exposes the darker side of social media to spark reflection in that demographic.
