‘Dacoit’ looks to break stereotypes in new bilingual film

The Telugu-Hindi bilingual is directed by cinematographer-turned-director Shaneil Deo, known for working with Sesh on thrillers like Kshanam and Goodachari.

Hyderabad: Adivi Sesh is taking a fresh step forward with his upcoming film Dacoit, which aims to push back against the idea that stories must always revolve around a single hero. The Telugu-Hindi bilingual is directed by cinematographer-turned-director Shaneil Deo, known for working with Sesh on thrillers like Kshanam and Goodachari.

The film stars Mrunal Thakur as the female lead, with both actors playing equally important roles in a story that blends romance and action. In an interview with Mid-Day, the actor-director, who has also written the script, shared that Dacoit has been shaped as a true two-hero narrative, giving equal depth and emotional weight to both lead characters.

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In light of ongoing discussions about gender bias in the industry, the HIT 2 actor told Mid-Day that the ego of a single ‘hero’ should not overshadow the potential of good storytelling. He feels that when both characters are given space, the story becomes stronger.

He also spoke about working alongside Mrunal Thakur, highlighting their common ground as self-made actors. Their shared journey as outsiders, he said, has helped build trust and understanding on set, something that he believes reflects in their performances.

With Dacoit, Sesh hopes to see more stories where both leads drive the plot equally. The film is expected to offer a different take on how lead roles can be balanced in mainstream cinema.