Yash Soni is looking back at an important phase in his career with ‘Maaran.’ The Gujarati thriller won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati at the 72nd National Film Awards. Soni’s performance as Ratan has also earned attention from audiences and critics.In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Soni spoke about the response to his performance. He also discussed his preparation for ‘Ratan.’ The actor further opened up about comparisons with Fahadh Faasil and his reaction to the film’s National Award win.
Yash Soni receives praise for ‘Maaran’
Yash Soni said the response to ‘Maaran’ has been particularly meaningful. He revealed that several people whose work he admires have noticed details in his performance. The comparison with Fahadh Faasil came as a surprise to Soni. The Malayalam actor is widely admired for his choice of challenging characters and subtle performances. “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.“
‘Ratan’ pushed Yash Soni beyond his comfort zone
Yash Soni said he was immediately drawn to ‘Ratan’ when he read the script. The character demanded a different preparation process. It also required a significant change in his appearance. “I was really excited. Since my first film was released in 2015, I have always wanted to do something different from my previous characters, and my audience also kind of expected the same. ‘ Ratan was something that really challenged my process and preparations. It drastically changed my look and made me unrecognizable. “The role gave Yash an opportunity to move away from the image he had built through his earlier films.
Actor reacts to Fahadh Faasil comparison
Being compared with Fahadh Faasil was especially significant for Yash Soni. He revealed that the actor has been an inspiration when it comes to choosing scripts and characters. He told us, “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. It also pushes me to work even harder and push my limits.” Yash Soni said the recognition has motivated him to challenge himself further as an actor.
Playing an extremist excited me
The psychological aspects of ‘Maaran’ also attracted him to the project. He said exploring the mindset of someone so different from himself made the experience exciting. “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.” The actor said the opportunity allowed him to approach performance in a different way.
Yash Soni recalls learning about the National Award
The National Award announcement became another memorable moment for Yash. He was travelling to Manali when he received the news about ‘Maaran’ winning the honor. “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.”Yash Soni began his film career with ‘Chhello Divas’ in 2015. He later appeared in ‘Days of Tafree and Shu Thayu?’. He also starred in ‘Chaal Jeevi Laiye!’ alongside Siddharth Randeria. He has wrapped his new film ‘Gol Dhana’ with Janki Bodiwala, but further updates on this project have not been revealed.
