Yash Soni Reflects on ‘Maaran’ Success, National Award Win, and Transformative Role
Mumbai, India – Gujarati cinema is celebrating a significant milestone with ‘Maaran’ clinching the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati at the prestigious 72nd National Film Awards. At the heart of this success is actor Yash Soni, whose compelling portrayal of the character ‘Ratan’ has garnered widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Soni opened up about the profound impact of ‘Maaran’ on his career, the challenging preparation for his role, unexpected comparisons to industry stalwart Fahadh Faasil, and his surreal reaction to the film’s national recognition.
A Performance That Resonated Deeply
Soni expressed profound gratitude for the reception ‘Maaran’ has received, particularly highlighting the discerning feedback from individuals whose work he deeply admires. "So good, people I look up to are writing about my work. They are picking such small details and nuances from my character that it feels like my study and research is finally paying off," Soni shared, underscoring the validation he felt from the critical appreciation. The comparison to Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil, known for his challenging character choices and subtle yet powerful performances, came as a pleasant surprise, signaling the depth and effectiveness of Soni’s portrayal.
‘Ratan’: A Departure from the Norm
The role of ‘Ratan’ in ‘Maaran’ represented a significant departure for Soni, allowing him to break free from his previous cinematic image. Since his debut in 2015, Soni had longed for a role that would challenge his established persona, and ‘Ratan’ delivered precisely that. "Ratan was something that really challenged my process and preparations. It drastically changed my look and made me unrecognizable," he recounted. This physical and psychological transformation was a testament to his dedication and desire to push his artistic boundaries.
The Weight of a Fahadh Faasil Comparison
For Soni, being favorably compared to Fahadh Faasil was more than just a compliment; it was a deeply meaningful acknowledgment. He revealed that Faasil has long been an inspiration in his own approach to script selection and character development. "That is great. I feel humbled. Fahadh Faasil has always been an inspiration, be it script selection or character choices. This kind of means the world to me," Soni articulated. He further emphasized that this recognition serves as a powerful motivator, compelling him to strive for even greater heights in his craft.
Embracing the Extremist Mindset
The psychological intricacies of ‘Maaran’ were a major draw for Soni. He found the prospect of delving into the mind of someone vastly different from himself incredibly exhilarating. "Everything, the idea of putting myself in the shoes of someone so different is, itself, very exciting. Understanding the psychology of an extremist and playing around with his mindset is something you don’t get to do very often. So yes, I felt like a king every time I was on set," he shared, illustrating the unique creative fulfillment he derived from the role.
A Mountainous National Award Revelation
The announcement of ‘Maaran’ winning a National Award coincided with a memorable personal journey for Soni. He was en route to Manali when the news reached him. "Somewhere it took time to sink in. I was sleeping in the car on my way to Manali. I entered the mountain with this news of ‘Maaran’ getting a national award. It was wonderful. After all, it’s my first film to receive this prestigious award. Grateful! I’m deeply grateful to everyone who believed in the film, to the entire team that poured their hearts into it, and to the audiences who embraced it. Moments like these remind you why you do what you do. Feeling truly blessed and thankful," he recalled, his words imbued with genuine emotion.
Yash Soni’s journey in cinema began with ‘Chhello Divas’ in 2015, followed by appearances in ‘Days of Tafree’ and ‘Shu Thayu?’. He also notably starred in ‘Chaal Jeevi Laiye!’ alongside Siddharth Randeria. While he has completed filming for his upcoming project, ‘Gol Dhana,’ with Janki Bodiwala, further details regarding its release remain under wraps. With the success of ‘Maaran’ and a National Award under his belt, Yash Soni has undoubtedly solidified his position as a compelling and versatile actor to watch in the Indian film industry.
