'Dacoit' Actor-Writer Adivi Sesh On Wearing Multiple Hats: 'Comes At The Cost of Having A Personal Life'

Adivi Sesh, star of the upcoming action-drama Dacoit which he has also co-written, describes the project as a “love story of a millennial dacoit", one that attempts to blend "analog aesthetics with modern sensibilities.” Sesh notes that the visual approach of the film reflects an “American look” but the core of it maintains an “Indian soul.” The result is a technical paradox and a language that is classical and traditional in its exploration of love.

"The chocolate inside is the love story, and the hard shell outside is the action," he said.

The writing process of the film was heavily character-focused. Sesh identified that the protagonist, Saraswathi, played by Mrunal Thakur, acts as the soul of the film while his own character brings in the rage. He wanted the characters and emotions to be central to the story. For him, the primary focus during scripting was the intention behind the story. To maintain objectivity while writing a character for himself, he uses a specific mental filter. He shared that he initially only focuses on the atmosphere of the story, “I barely even see the characters at that point,” he remarked, sharing that it allows him to detach from any personal bias and focus on the environment and the emotional demands of the script.

Sesh also acknowledged that his tendency to take on multiple roles in a production—often at the cost of his personal life—influences his creative output. "Staying busy in the craft helps. Eventually, though, I hope that I get secure enough in my head where I am able to find a balance." His “unbridled optimism” helps his idea that an art like filmmaking is a series of interconnected tasks and he is constantly thinking of new ideas to work on. He also noted that he looks up to Thakur’s ability to “enjoy the arts” outside of her projects.

Directed by Shaneil Deo and produced by Supriya Yarlagadda, Dacoit is an action-drama starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur as the leads. The film is set to release in theatres on April 10, 2026.

Watch our full interview with Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, dropping later today on The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel.