Manoj Bajpayee reveals he’s eager to try a VFX-heavy film: “I don’t know how to act on green screen”

October 17, 2025 - 1:12 PM IST

After more than three decades in the film industry, Manoj Bajpayee continues to explore new genres and storytelling formats. Just last month, he was seen in the indie drama Jugnuma and the satirical comedy Inspector Zende. Now, he’s preparing to return as Srikant Tiwari in the much-anticipated The Family Man 3. Yet, despite his versatile filmography, there's still one area the acclaimed actor hasn't ventured into—VFX-heavy films.

Manoj Bajpayee reveals he’s eager to try a VFX-heavy film: “I don’t know how to act on green screen”

“I would love to act in a VFX-heavy film because I really don’t know how to perform in front of a green screen,” Bajpayee shared. “People tell me it's quite a challenge and a different kind of technique. I’ve never done it before, apart from some hosting or anchoring work involving green screen. So, it would be a very interesting experience.”

One potential collaborator in this space could be filmmaker Om Raut, known for directing large-scale VFX films like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Adipurush. Raut also produced Inspector Zende, in which Bajpayee played the lead. Interestingly, Raut recently expressed a desire to direct Bajpayee in a film, raising hopes for a future project together.

“I used to sit next to him and ask for a role in whatever he was planning,” Bajpayee said with a laugh. “I’m a struggler, and I have no shame in saying that. I’m always hustling for a great role with a good director like him. I’m constantly on the lookout for strong roles and solid setups. He has mentioned working with me, but he lives in Bandra, where he’s surrounded by actors. He could always change his mind,” he joked.

As he gears up for The Family Man 3, Bajpayee once again steps into the shoes of a government officer—just one of several law enforcement roles he's taken on in his career. Most recently, he portrayed a police officer in Inspector Zende. When asked what draws him to such characters, he explained that it's not about the uniform itself. “It’s never about wanting to wear the uniform or not. What interests me is the person behind it—his background, his values, and the factors that shaped who he is. That’s what I find compelling, more than the external image of a cop,” he said.

With his continued curiosity and willingness to take creative risks, it’s clear that Manoj Bajpayee is far from done experimenting with new roles and genres. Whether it’s a high-tech VFX project or another deep character study, he remains one of Indian cinema’s most committed and adaptable performers.

Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee on 23 years of Ram Gopal Varma’s Road, “It was bad luck that people couldn’t notice our hard work”