Arjun Rampal, known for his versatile performances, is currently making waves with his role as Rauf in the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's "Rana Naidu." The series, which premieres on June 13, 2025, promises a darker and more intense storyline, with Rampal's character adding a new layer of complexity to the already gripping family drama.
In a recent conversation, Rampal shared insights into his busy post-pandemic schedule, revealing that he has completed "9-10 projects." However, he also touched upon the challenges some of these projects are facing with the censor board. While he didn't explicitly name all the projects facing hurdles, he did address the controversy surrounding "Punjab 95," a film starring Diljit Dosanjh, in which he also plays a significant role.
"Punjab 95," directed by Honey Trehan, is a biopic based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who brought to light the alleged illegal killings and cremations during the Punjab militancy era. The film has been আটকে in the censor board for over a year, with the CBFC suggesting a staggering 120 cuts. Rampal expressed his disappointment, stating, "It's unfortunate what happened with 'Punjab 95' because it is a true story, it's our history, but I'm sure they have their own reasons to control anything untoward happening as it is a sensitive topic." The film's sensitive subject matter, which delves into a dark chapter of Punjab's history, is believed to be the primary reason for the censor board's apprehension.
Despite the challenges with "Punjab 95," Rampal is excited about his role in "Rana Naidu 2." He describes his character, Rauf, as the "most ruthless and terrifyingly real" he has ever portrayed. Rauf is a new and dangerous force in Rana Naidu's world, capable of horrifying brutality, yet with a surprising vulnerability when it comes to his niece. Rampal found balancing these contrasting aspects of Rauf particularly challenging.
The trailer for "Rana Naidu 2" hints at a brutal showdown between Rampal and Rana Daggubati, promising intense action and family drama. The series also stars Venkatesh Daggubati, Surveen Chawla, Kriti Kharbanda, Sushant Singh, and Abhishek Banerjee, among others.
Beyond "Rana Naidu 2" and the delayed "Punjab 95," details about Rampal's other completed projects remain scarce. The actor's comments suggest that some of these projects might also be facing censorship issues, highlighting the ongoing challenges filmmakers encounter when dealing with sensitive or controversial subjects. The reasons for these delays can vary, ranging from concerns about social values and religious sentiments to political sensitivities.
Despite these obstacles, Arjun Rampal remains a dedicated artist, consistently seeking out challenging and diverse roles. His willingness to tackle complex characters, as seen in "Rana Naidu 2" and "Punjab 95," demonstrates his commitment to his craft and his desire to tell meaningful stories, even when faced with adversity. As audiences eagerly await the premiere of "Rana Naidu 2" and hope for the eventual release of "Punjab 95," Arjun Rampal continues to be a compelling figure in the Indian entertainment industry.
