Vijay Varma on script selection: 'First I have to love it'
Synopsis
Vijay Varma says he has turned down numerous high-profile scripts because they failed to grip him on the first read — and that no big-name cast can override a weak story. With Lust Stories 3, Family Business, and Matka King 2 ahead, his selective bet on quality appears to be paying off.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Varma says the script is his sole non-negotiable when choosing a project — star power and big names carry no weight.
He has declined many scripts that did not grip him, regardless of the cast or production attached.
His secondary filters are novelty (roles he has not played before) and the director’s calibre .
Varma believes a strong director can elevate even a ‘decent’ script into something special.
His upcoming lineup reportedly includes Lust Stories 3 , Family Business , and Matka King 2 .
Bollywood actor Vijay Varma has opened up about the one non-negotiable at the heart of his career decisions — the script. In a candid revelation, the Mumbai-based actor said that no amount of star power or big-name associations can compensate for a story that does not grip him from the first read.
Script First, Everything Else Later
Varma was unequivocal about his process: the script must move him before anything else enters the equation. “If you are not enjoying reading it, there is no chance you are going to enjoy watching it on the screen. First and foremost, I have to love it. It has to be so gripping. That is the first criteria,” he said.
The actor, known for his standout work in Darlings, added that star-studded casts hold no sway over him. “I don’t care if there are big names involved, this and that. If the script is not working, it is not working. I have said no to a lot of such scripts,” he explained.
Lead Role or Supporting Part — Story Strength Decides
Varma noted that his script-first philosophy applies regardless of whether the role on offer is a lead or a supporting one. What matters, he said, is the quality of the story surrounding the character.
He also revealed a more evolved layer to his selection process: “Now, I want to see if it’s a leading role. I want to make sure it is something that I have not done before. And eventually, I want to see who the director is. If the director is good, then you know that even a decent script can turn into something special.”
A Track Record Built on Selective Choices
The actor, who also appeared in Gustakh Ishq, credited his selective approach for the quality of his filmography. “I think I have got fairly decent at choosing the right scripts,” he said — a statement backed by a body of work that has consistently drawn critical attention for its range and depth.
Notably, Varma’s willingness to decline projects — even high-profile ones — sets him apart in an industry where the pull of commerce often outweighs creative instinct. His approach reflects a longer-game thinking that prioritises sustained credibility over short-term visibility.
What’s Ahead for Vijay Varma
On the work front, Varma has a promising slate lined up. His upcoming projects reportedly include Lust Stories 3, Family Business, and Matka King 2 — each representing a distinct genre, consistent with his stated preference for roles he has not explored before.
With a carefully curated pipeline and a clear creative compass, Varma appears set to consolidate his position as one of Hindi cinema’s most deliberate and watchable performers.
Point of View
His track record suggests the approach works; sustaining it at the top tier of the industry is the harder test.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Vijay Varma choose his film projects?
Vijay Varma says the script is the primary deciding factor — it must grip him on the first read before anything else is considered. He then looks at whether the role is something new for him and evaluates the director’s track record.
Has Vijay Varma turned down big Bollywood projects?
Yes, Varma has confirmed that he has said no to many scripts, including those with high-profile casts, because the stories did not resonate with him. He stated clearly that star power attached to a project does not influence his decision.
What are Vijay Varma’s upcoming movies?
Vijay Varma’s reported upcoming projects include Lust Stories 3, Family Business, and Matka King 2, spanning multiple genres consistent with his preference for varied roles.
Why does Vijay Varma prioritise the director when selecting a project?
Varma believes a skilled director can transform even a moderately good script into something exceptional. He considers the director’s involvement a secondary but important filter after the script has already passed his initial test.
Which films is Vijay Varma best known for?
Vijay Varma is widely recognised for his roles in Darlings and Gustakh Ishq, among other projects. His selective approach to scripts has been credited with building a filmography noted for its range and critical quality.
