Marathi actor Sambhaji Sasane is receiving widespread praise for his intense performance as Suraj in the film Rubaab. Notably, the movie has now completed five weeks in theatres, continuing to attract audiences and strong word-of-mouth appreciation.
Over the years, Sasane has appeared in films such as Wagherya, B.E. Rojgaar, and Love & Shukla. However, with Rubaab, he delivers one of his most emotionally layered performances so far.
A Character Driven by Pride and Emotion
To begin with, Sasane describes Suraj as a man shaped by self-respect, pride, and deep emotional intensity.
In the story, Suraj returns to his hometown carrying unresolved emotions. At the heart of his struggle lies his complicated relationship with his father. The conflict stems from his father’s refusal to support his decision to marry his first love, Madhuri.
Moreover, Sasane believes Suraj’s personality is far more complex than it appears.
“Suraj may seem tough and confident on the outside. However, deep down he is extremely emotional. He values honesty, loyalty, and dignity. For him, love and pride are closely connected. That emotional depth is what truly defines his ‘Rubaab’,” the actor explained.
Preparing for the Role in Atpadi
In order to portray Suraj authentically, Sasane spent more than three weeks in Atpadi, the town where the story is set.
During this time, he immersed himself in the local culture, dialect, and lifestyle. As a result, he was able to better understand the environment that shaped his character.
“I stayed in Atpadi to observe people, learn their dialect, and experience the rhythm of daily life. Since Suraj belongs to that place, it was important for me to live that world instead of simply imagining it,” he said.
Consequently, this preparation helped him portray Suraj’s mannerisms, language, and attitude more naturally on screen.
Director Shekhar Rankhambe’s Unique Approach
Interestingly, director Shekhar Rankhambe followed an unconventional approach during the making of the film.
Instead of handing actors a written script, he chose to narrate the story repeatedly. Because of this method, Sasane revealed that he never actually held a physical script during the shoot.
“My director prefers narrating the story instead of giving us a script. Therefore, my preparation focused on listening carefully and internalizing the emotions rather than memorizing lines from paper,” he shared.
As a result, this approach allowed actors to focus more on spontaneity and emotional expression during their performances.
When a Fight Scene Became Too Real
Meanwhile, one of the film’s action sequences turned unexpectedly intense.
Initially, the fight scene had been rehearsed with professional stunt performers. However, on the day of the shoot, they were unavailable. Consequently, the scene had to be filmed with local boys who had never performed choreographed action before.
“In the excitement, a few punches landed harder than expected,” Sasane recalled.
The actor revealed that he suffered real bruises during the shoot, leaving his ribs and back sore for nearly a month. Nevertheless, he appreciated the enthusiasm of the locals who participated in the scene.
“They were simply excited to be part of the film,” he added.
Strong Audience Response
As Rubaab continues its theatrical run, Sasane says the audience response has been extremely encouraging.
In particular, many viewers have connected with Suraj’s outlook on love, relationships, and personal dignity.
“For me, the most meaningful feedback is when someone says the character felt real. That is the greatest reward an actor can receive,” he said.
Building the Film’s World Together
Additionally, the cast spent several weeks living together during the shoot in Atpadi. This experience helped them develop a strong bond and better understand the film’s setting.
After long shooting days, the team often explored nearby villages and interacted with local residents. These moments, according to Sasane, played a key role in shaping the film’s authenticity.
“Those experiences helped us collectively build the world of the film. They made our performances more genuine,” he concluded.
Ultimately, with its grounded storytelling and compelling performances, Rubaab continues to resonate with audiences. At the center of it all is Sambhaji Sasane’s powerful portrayal of Suraj, which remains one of the film’s most memorable highlights.
