Vijay Kumar on ‘Landlord’ and the need for an Ambedkarite movement in Kannada cinema

Vijay Kumar, popularly known as Duniya Vijay, attributes his second wind to patience. Down and out in 2018 with a series of failures, the Kannada actor decided to turn director. He directed and starred in the two hit action dramas Salaga (2021) and Bheema (2024). His latest release, Landlord, also featuring actor-filmmaker Raj B. Shetty, portrays feudalism in Karnataka of the 80s.

His latest movies have been action-packed entertainers with a message. The execution in Salaga and Bheema wasn’t flawless, but it is evident that Vijay is trying to influence public perceptions on topics such as drug addiction and other criminal activities.

Landlord talks about equality, says Vijay, who has openly embraced the ‘Jai Bhim’ spirit. “Equality is the core principle of the Constitution written by BR Ambedkar. When we make a film that upholds the Constitution, why are people hesitant to watch it? Landlord isn’t about caste. It’s about people fighting for their rights,” he says.

Vijay’s shift in attitude, which now inspires him to tackle social subjects, happened a decade ago. “I interacted with a lawyer and activist in Kalaburagi. I found the story of Ambedkar revolutionary,” says Vijay, who wants to spur an Ambedkarite movement in the mainstream Kannada cinema space.

“In Tamil, people passionately support such movies. We are attempting something in Kannada. Any movement takes time and rejection. We have to stay persistent.”

Vijay’s films have been multi-starrers, reminding Kannada makers of the potential of casting multiple stars in commercial films. If Dhananjaya played a fiery cop in Salaga, Raj B Shetty shines as the antagonist in Landlord.

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“I don’t believe in the concept of stars. I like to work with workaholics. I also want to be around well-read people. My father was upset that I never excelled in academics. I have realised the importance of educated minds in cinema quite late in life.”

The actor’s controversial past, both in personal and professional lives, continues to haunt him. “I have made several mistakes, but I have learnt from them,” he says.

Landlord shows a village that is crushed under brutal landlord rule. The film’s protagonist, essayed by Vijay, fights for dignity and justice. “The film’s director, Jadeshaa K Hampi, has done thorough research to depict the problems of the community,” says Vijay. The movie recently received a tax exemption from the Karnataka government.