Ayushmann on IPS Manoj Malviya: He became prototype of my character

Ayushmann on finding a template in friend and IPS officer Manoj Malviya for cop act in Article 15

Given that his upcoming social film Article 15 is inspired by true events, Ayushmann Khurrana turned to real cops to seek inspiration for his role, instead of scouting for resembling characters in cinema. In particular, friend of five years Manoj Malviya became the template that the actor decided to follow to play a cop investigating a murder in a small town that’s plagued by notions of caste divide.

"I am a friend of Manoj Malviya, who is a senior IPS officer based out of Calcutta and Delhi. Even though I met other cops, he became the prototype [of my character]. The idea was to meet someone who was transferred to the city [where the crime happens], and not one who belongs to it. Manoj is from Calcutta, but was recently transferred to Delhi. This film is also seen from an outsider's perspective; I'm the one who is not from the place and gets flustered by the goings-on when I reach there,” says the actor of his part in Anubhav Sinha's film.

Apart from Malviya, Khurrana also interacted with police officials from UP to take note of their body language. "While shooting in Lucknow, I met them and observed the way they behaved as they [went about their] daily routine, and how they salute. However, I did not imitate any cop."

Currently sporting a lean look for his upcoming offering, Bala, Khurrana says that although he was 'six kilos heavier' than he is today when filming Article 15, he did not aim to beef up for his cop act. "Real cops are not muscular," he reasons.

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