In an era where cinema has become increasingly boundaryless and actors freely cross from one industry to another, Suniel Shetty’s career choices offer a refreshing perspective. While many Bollywood actors eagerly step into Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films—especially as villains—Suniel Shetty has taken a notably different route. Despite enjoying enormous popularity in the South, he remains selective about the roles he accepts, particularly from the Tamil and Telugu industries.
In a recent conversation at Lallantop Adda 2025 held in Delhi, the actor opened up in detail about why he turns down many South Indian film offers, how he chooses his roles, and what motivates him to say yes to certain projects. He also spoke about his recent and upcoming films, including Hunter 2, Welcome to the Jungle, and Hera Phera 3.
This article takes you through everything Suniel Shetty shared—his personal reasoning, his respect for regional cinema, how he views the industry’s growing trend of casting Bollywood stars as antagonists, and why he believes content ultimately knows no language barrier. We also explore his career evolution, his choices as an actor in his 60s, and his continued relevance across generations.
A Veteran Actor Who Has Comfortably Reinvented Himself
Before diving into his statements, it is important to understand where Suniel Shetty stands today.
From the 1990s action hero to the 2000s family entertainer star, to the 2020s digital-age performer, Suniel Shetty has shown remarkable adaptability. Unlike many actors who struggled to evolve with the times, Suniel found a new space through OTT shows (Hunter, Dharavi Bank), reality TV hosting, entrepreneurial ventures, and character roles that focus on maturity rather than glamour.
His calm persona, fitness-first lifestyle, and grounded approach to fame have made him widely admired by older fans and newly discovered by younger audiences.
Therefore, when Suniel Shetty talks about choosing roles carefully, especially from the South, it reflects his clarity about where he stands as an artiste today.
Why Suniel Shetty says NO to most South film offers
At the Lallantop Adda 2025 session, Suniel Shetty was candid about the type of roles he is frequently offered by South filmmakers—mostly villains.
“I do get offers…but they mostly want the Hindi heroes for negative roles.”
He described the trend in detail:
“You will notice this pattern that we get offers for negative roles. They want to cast the Hindi heroes as powerful from an antagonistic point of view… that’s good for the screen and for the audience. But that is one thing I don’t like.”
This is not an isolated trend. In the past decade, many Bollywood actors—from Vivek Oberoi to Sonu Sood, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and even Ranveer Singh—have entered South cinema primarily as villains. The South industries love to cast Hindi stars as larger-than-life antagonists because:
- They add star power
- They elevate the hero’s screen presence
- They attract nationwide attention
- They bring a different physicality and persona
Suniel Shetty, with his towering reputation, intense screen presence, and action background, naturally fits the template of a formidable villain. However, he clarified that this is exactly what he does not want to repeat endlessly.
For him, choosing a role is not just about screen time or attention—it’s about alignment with his values and artistic evolution.
Not Against South Cinema — Just Selective About the Roles
Some may mistake his statement as disinterest in South cinema, but Suniel Shetty made it clear that is not the case.
He has deep admiration for the South industries, especially for their discipline, storytelling quality, and professionalism. What he avoids is the stereotype he is usually offered.
In fact, two of his South appearances—Darbar (Tamil) and Jai (Tulu)—were very intentional.
Why He Said YES to Rajinikanth’s Darbar
Suniel Shetty played the main antagonist in the 2020 Tamil film Darbar opposite superstar Rajinikanth. When asked why he did that film if he generally avoids negative roles, he explained the emotional reason behind it.
“I did a film with Rajini sir only because I wanted to tick that box of having worked with him.”
This wasn’t a professional decision, but a dream fulfilled. For Suniel Shetty, sharing the screen with Rajinikanth was an honor, almost a once‐in‐a‐lifetime opportunity. Rajinikanth is not just a superstar; he is a cultural phenomenon. Working with him is considered prestigious across all Indian industries.
Suniel Shetty’s role in Darbar may have been negative, but the experience and association mattered more than the character type.
His Cameo in the Tulu Film Jai: Supporting Regional Roots
Another interesting revelation was his small appearance in the Tulu movie Jai, which is doing remarkably well.
“I recently did a small Tulu film just to encourage the film. It’s called Jai.”
Suniel Shetty belongs to a Tulu-speaking family. Though born and raised in Mumbai, his roots are in Karnataka’s coastal belt. The Tulu film industry is small and local but rich in culture and storytelling. By contributing—even cameo-level—he felt he was giving back to his community and supporting regional cinema.
This showcases Suniel’s emotional connection to roles and industries beyond commercial calculations.
“Language is not a barrier—content is.”
One of the most powerful statements he made during the interview was:
“Today, there is no language barrier. If there is a barrier, it’s because of the content. If your content is good, it will cross all barriers.”
This rings absolutely true in the age of:
- KGF, Pushpa, Kantara
- Malayalam cinema’s global rise
- OTT platforms breaking linguistic boundaries
- Dubbing culture across India
- Pan-India film releases becoming the norm
Suniel Shetty believes regional labels no longer matter. What matters is:
- Strong stories
- Honest performances
- Universal themes
- Emotional connection
His selective approach comes from a deep respect for content—not from any dislike for certain industries.
Where Suniel Shetty’s Career Stands Today
Even at 63, Suniel Shetty is far from slowing down. He is rediscovering himself in new avatars—strong mentor-like characters, impactful action roles, web series roles, and ensemble comedy films.
Here’s a look at his recent and upcoming projects:
1. Hunter 2 – Continuing His Reinvention in OTT Action
Suniel Shetty’s digital persona received huge applause after the success of Hunter: Tootega Nahi, Todega. The second season again features him in a rugged, gritty avatar.
Jackie Shroff also appears in the series, bringing together two iconic stars of the 90s in a modern narrative. OTT has given Suniel the creative freedom to explore mature, layered roles without worrying about box office pressure.
2. Welcome to the Jungle – A Massive Multi-Star Comedy
Suniel Shetty will next be seen in the highly anticipated film Welcome to the Jungle, the third installment of the hit Welcome franchise. The movie boasts one of the biggest ensemble casts in recent Indian cinema:
- Akshay Kumar
- Sanjay Dutt
- Arshad Warsi
- Paresh Rawal
- Raveena Tandon
- Lara Dutta
- Suniel Shetty
- Many more
This film marks yet another reunion of the classic trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—something fans have been waiting for.
Suniel Shetty’s presence in a big family entertainer proves he is still a major force in commercial cinema.
3. Hera Phera 3 – A Long-Awaited Comeback
Another big project lined up is Hera Phera 3. Fans have been waiting for almost two decades to see the iconic trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—return as Raju, Shyam, and Baburao.
Suniel Shetty confirmed that filming is expected to begin in February or March next year.
Given the massive nostalgia attached to the franchise, this film is expected to be one of the biggest comedy events in Indian cinema.
Suniel Shetty’s Larger Take on Acting, Age, and Self-Respect
Throughout his interview, one theme stood out: self-respect. Suniel Shetty chooses roles not based on volume or popularity but on values and personal alignment.
Here’s what shapes his choices today:
1. Respect for His Image
Suniel Shetty does not want to be typecast into villain roles repeatedly, especially if they do not offer depth.
2. Accountability to His Audience
He has built a trusted bond with fans over three decades. He doesn’t want to break that trust by playing characters he personally does not believe in.
3. Interest Over Obligation
He wants to enjoy his work, not simply accept offers because they are lucrative or mainstream.
4. Physical and Emotional Authenticity
At his age, not every role makes sense physically or tonally. He chooses characters that align with his maturity and experience.
5. Quality Over Quantity
Suniel Shetty is not in a rush to appear in multiple films a year. He prefers doing fewer but meaningful projects.
This clarity is what the audience respects most about him.
Suniel Shetty and South Cinema: A Relationship of Respect, Not Rejection
Despite turning down many villain offers from the South, Suniel Shetty maintains a deep admiration for southern filmmaking. He has repeatedly praised them for their:
- Discipline
- Technical excellence
- Strong scripts
- Cultural richness
- Work ethic
He remains open to South films—as long as the role aligns with who he is today.
His choices reflect course correction, not disengagement.
How the Industry Perceives Him Today
Suniel Shetty is seen as:
- A fitness icon
- A mentor figure
- A calm and wise senior actor
- A superstar from a golden era who remains grounded
- A man of principles
- Someone who adapts to the times without losing his identity
This unique blend gives him a rare respect across North and South industries alike.
