Vijay Kumar’s unrecognisable new look

Sporting a grey beard and unkempt hair, Vijay Kumar looks unrecognisable as he gets into character for his new movie, Landlord. The movie, where he plays the role of a man who tills the land and stands up for his people, is close to his heart, he says.

“My grandfather, father, and even I have worked as coolies (unskilled labourers) to make ends meet. I grew up watching my father endure tough times, and eventually, I followed in his footsteps, earning as little as `50 a day. Those experiences taught me the value of money. Landlord resonates with me because it honours the resilience of past generations and their struggles,” he says. His daughter, Rithnya, who debuts with this film, plays his daughter in the movie.