Actor Muzammil Ibrahim on joining Salman's Monster, landing action role on his terms

Muzammil Ibrahim has joined Salman Khan and Nayanthara's Monster in an action-heavy role. He says the film marks a fresh phase in his career after years of martial arts training and uncertainty.

In Short

• He signed on in late July and began filming in August
• His role is action-heavy, with choreography that immediately caught his attention
• Two decades of martial arts training now feed directly into performance

Actor Muzammil Ibrahim is the latest addition to Salman Khan and Nayanthara-starrer Monster, and for the actor, the opportunity marks an important new chapter in a career spanning nearly two decades. Speaking to India Today Digital, Muzammil opened up about joining the much-anticipated film, his action-heavy role and what it has been like sharing the screen with Salman.

Muzammil said his association with Monster was not an overnight development, even though it eventually came together rather quickly. "It was in the making for a long time. I've been working towards something like this for a very long time. It's just that it came into place all of a sudden," he said.

The actor, who previously worked in Special Ops, revealed that conversations around the film had been underway for some time before he eventually gave his nod towards the end of July. He began shooting in August and is expected to continue filming through September, with the schedule also involving international portions.

While Muzammil remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his character, he confirmed that action plays a major part in his role. His previous work in projects such as Special OPS helped establish him as an actor capable of handling the genre, and he said the action choreography was one of the factors that drew him to Monster.

"My character is interesting. When I got a brief about my character, I was very excited to explore that action genre, which I think I justify very well," he said, adding, "When they explained the scenes to me and the choreography and everything, that got my attention a lot. I was like, 'Ok, I want to be part of this'."

For Muzammil, who has trained in martial arts for nearly 20 years, the opportunity also feels like a long-awaited pay-off. He recalled continuing his training even during periods when acting work was limited, without knowing where the skill would eventually take him.

"I've been practising martial arts for almost 20 years. It's high time that kind of paid off," he said.

The actor also stressed that signing Monster was not simply about being part of a Salman Khan film. What attracted him was the world being created by the makers and the opportunity to explore a genre he enjoys.

"Not definitely just because it's a Salman film," Muzammil said. "I like the world that they are showing. Salman has been shown in a different avatar, which is very interesting. My character is interesting, and I'm excited to do some kick-ass action," he described.

Working alongside Salman, however, has naturally come with its own fanboy moment. Muzammil said that while he has known the superstar for some time, actually sharing the screen with him was a different experience.

"The first time you step in and you share a screen with someone... I have noted that time actually. So, it's a fanboy moment obviously for me," he said, adding, "To be standing next to Salman and sharing screen and trying to do what you're trying to do, it's such a privilege."

Muzammil also made it clear that he wanted his place in the film to come through his own work rather than simply through an association or recommendation.

"I've always wanted to work with him on my own terms, where I am not being recommended by a friend or a friend. I wanted to get that role of my own accord, which I did, which I'm very proud of," he said.

The actor, who turned 40 in August, also reflected on his 19-year journey in the industry. He made his acting debut with Dhokha in 2007, after beginning his first shoot while still in his third year of college. Over the years, he has worked in films, television and theatre.

For Muzammil, the gaps and uncertainties that came with the profession ultimately became part of the journey rather than reasons to step away. He said that when work slowed down, he chose to keep himself occupied, including by returning to the theatre and continuing his martial arts training.

"You have to learn to live with uncertainty without allowing that uncertainty to define you," he said.

Now, with Monster, the actor feels he is entering another phase of his career. "I think 40 is pretty young for an actor today," he said. "Sometimes your journey starts way back, and sometimes it starts at 40. For me, I feel like, 'Ok, even though I made my launch when I was in college, I will be established as an actor now. So my journey starts now, and I think it's a very beautiful start'."

Apart from Monster, Muzammil said he is also in talks for a series and is expected to return for Special OPS when the next instalment goes on floors. For now, though, his focus remains on the Salman Khan-led action film, where he is relishing the scale, demanding schedules and the opportunity to put his years of training to work.

Monster, also starring Nayanthara in the lead, is being directed by Dil Raju as a pan-India film. The film is eyeing an Eid 2027 release, while an official release date is yet to be announced.

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