Nawazuddin Siddiqui is known for bringing complex characters to life, but his role as serial killer Ramanna in Raman Raghav 2.0 pushed him to dangerous limits. The 2016 psychological thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap became one of his most challenging performances, requiring extreme dedication that landed him in the hospital.
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The Real Raman Raghav Story
Raman Raghav 2.0 is based on the notorious serial killer who terrorized Mumbai in the 1960s. The real Raman Raghav confessed to killing 41 people, mainly targeting poor people sleeping on pavements. Director Anurag Kashyap modernized this story, creating a contemporary thriller that explores the dark psychology of both killer and cop.
The movie stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Ramanna (the killer) and Vicky Kaushal as Raghavan (a corrupt drug-addicted police officer). What makes this film special is how it shows the disturbing connection between these two characters.
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Nawazuddin’s Extreme Method Acting
Going Into the Jungle
To prepare for this terrifying role, Nawazuddin did something extraordinary. He isolated himself in the jungles for 4-5 days to understand the killer’s mindset.
“To prepare for that role, I had to go completely out of the box. I went into the jungles for three days just to tap into the darkness within me,” Nawazuddin revealed.
The character’s philosophy of killing without feeling pain was completely opposite to Nawazuddin’s nature. He explained: “I can’t even imagine hurting someone, let alone killing”. To believably portray such a character, he had to convince himself mentally.
Hospitalization During Filming
The intensity of this role took a serious toll on Nawazuddin’s health. During shooting, he fainted on set and was hospitalized. Even while unconscious in the hospital, he continued speaking the film’s dialogues.
“Even when I was unconscious, I was muttering dialogues from the film,” Nawazuddin shared.
Doctors warned him to detach from the character and take care of his health. This shows how deeply he had absorbed the killer’s psychology.
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Research Process
Nawazuddin’s preparation wasn’t limited to jungle isolation. He also:
- Watched interviews of real psychopathic killers online
- Studied the original case files and history
- Stayed in character for nearly a month during filming
The Performance That Shocked Everyone
Critical Acclaim
Nawazuddin’s portrayal of Ramanna received widespread critical praise. Critics described his performance as:
The ease with which he detailed murders on screen was more terrifying than showing actual violence. His ability to make viewers sympathize with a serial killer while being completely disgusted by his actions showed his incredible range.
International Recognition
The film premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section. Nawazuddin received a standing ovation at Cannes, with the audience giving thunderous applause after the screening.
He also won the Best Actor award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards for this performance. The film was nominated in three categories at these awards, showing international appreciation for the craft.
The Psychological Impact
Living the Character
Nawazuddin revealed that playing Raman Raghav “emptied him from within”. The character had his own twisted philosophy and lived in a completely different world from normal humans.
“Characters like Raman Raghav can empty you and that’s what happened with me,” he explained.
After completing the film, he went straight to his native village and worked as a farmer to return to normalcy. This shows how deeply the role affected his mental state.
The Transformation Challenge
The biggest challenge was believing in the killer’s logic. Raman Raghav had justification for every murder and thought his criminal acts were right. For Nawazuddin, who is naturally gentle, adopting this mindset required extraordinary mental effort.
Box Office and Awards
Despite critical acclaim, Raman Raghav 2.0 was a moderate commercial success, earning ₹270 million at the box office. The film competed with six other releases but stood out for its unique storytelling and performances.
Awards Won:
- Asia Pacific Screen Awards – Best Actor (Nawazuddin Siddiqui)
- Europe Fantastic Film Festivals Federation Asian Award
- Official jury prizes at Fantastic Film Festival of the University of Málaga
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Raman Raghav 2.0 based on a true story?
A: Yes, it’s inspired by the real serial killer Raman Raghav who operated in Mumbai during the 1960s and confessed to 41 murders.
Q: Why did Nawazuddin Siddiqui get hospitalized during filming?
A: He became so deeply immersed in the killer’s character that he fainted on set and continued speaking dialogues even while unconscious in hospital.
Q: Did the film win any international awards?
A: Yes, Nawazuddin won Best Actor at Asia Pacific Screen Awards and received a standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival.
Q: How did Nawazuddin prepare for this dark role?
A: He isolated himself in jungles for several days, watched interviews of real psychopaths, and stayed in character for nearly a month.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance in Raman Raghav 2.0 remains one of the most intense and disturbing portrayals in Indian cinema. His extreme dedication to method acting, while dangerous to his health, created a character that continues to haunt audiences years later. This role proves why he’s considered one of India’s finest actors, willing to push boundaries for authentic storytelling.
