By Anil Merani: Tanuj Virwani’s role as Chirag Oberoi in Rana Naidu Season 2, which streamed on Netflix, sparked significant disappointment among his fanbase due to the character’s limited screen time and lack of impact in the narrative. Fans had high expectations, given Tanuj’s track record in successful OTT projects like Inside Edge and Code M, where he showcased his ability to hold substantial roles. In Rana Naidu Season 2, Chirag starts with promise, displaying the charm and intensity that fans associate with Tanuj’s performances. However, the character is quickly overshadowed by his sister’s manipulative schemes, fading into the background and notably absent during the climactic battle for control of the Oberoi empire, a pivotal moment in the season. This underwhelming arc left fans feeling shortchanged, as they anticipated a more central role for Tanuj, especially considering his growing prominence in the OTT space.
Addressing the backlash, Tanuj clarified in an interview that his role was intentionally designed as an extended cameo. He emphasized his long-standing professional relationship with director Karan Anshuman, with whom he began his OTT journey in Inside Edge, Amazon Prime’s first Indian original series. “Karan and I started our OTT careers together, and I’ll always be there for him, plain and simple,” Tanuj stated, underscoring his loyalty and willingness to take on the role despite its limited scope. This explanation aims to temper fan disappointment by framing his participation as a gesture of camaraderie rather than a misstep in accepting a lead role.
To reassure fans, Tanuj shared exciting updates about his upcoming projects, signaling a robust slate to showcase his talent. He is set to star in DAU, a new show for Applause Entertainment, although details about its genre or release date remain undisclosed. Additionally, he is working on Johnny Jumper, a film featuring Vijay Raaz, known for his versatile performances, which suggests a potentially quirky or intense narrative. Another project, Besabriyaan, will see Tanuj share the screen with Tridha Choudhury (Aashram) and Nikki Tamboli (Bigg Boss Marathi), hinting at a dynamic ensemble. These projects indicate that Tanuj is diversifying his portfolio across platforms and genres, which should excite fans eager for more substantial roles.
When asked about Chirag’s future in Rana Naidu Season 3, Tanuj, the son of veteran actress Rati Agnihotri, remained noncommittal, stating, “I have no idea what the makers have planned ahead. It’s a little early for that.” This ambiguity leaves room for speculation but also suggests that any return would depend on the creative direction of the show’s writers and showrunner, Suparn Verma. The series, a gritty adaptation of Ray Donovan, has a complex ensemble, and Chirag’s arc could potentially evolve, offering fans a glimmer of hope for his return.
Tanuj’s statements aim to clear the air, addressing fan disappointment while redirecting their focus to his promising future projects. With DAU, Johnny Jumper, and Besabriyaan on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to. Tanuj’s versatility and industry connections suggest he will continue to carve a niche in the competitive OTT landscape, and his commitment to delivering impactful performances in these upcoming ventures should instill confidence in his fans.
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