Sanjay Mishra and Rajesh Tailang Cast in New Dark Comedy ‘Arjun Bewakoof’ from Andaman Makers
EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Mishra, Rajesh Tailang, and Dolly Singh to Star in Dark-Comedy Neo-Noir ‘Arjun Bewakoof’
In an exciting new project, acclaimed actors Sanjay Mishra and Rajesh Tailang, alongside Dolly Singh, are set to headline the dark comedy neo-noir film Arjun Bewakoof. This Indian indie film is the brainchild of actor-writer Anand Raaj and director Smita Singh, known for their previous collaboration on Andaman.
The film is backed by Open Theatre, an innovative platform that allows audiences to invest directly in independent films. This unique model offers viewers the opportunity to earn returns through a pay-per-view profit structure.
Raaj and Singh previously worked with both Mishra and Tailang on Andaman, a social drama centered around the COVID-19 pandemic that premiered in 2020.
Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra is a two-time recipient of the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor, winning for his performances in Ankhon Dekhi (2015) and Vadh (2022). He boasts an extensive repertoire of film and television credits. Rajesh Tailang gained recognition for his role in the 2013 India-Canada film Siddharth, which earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Canadian Screen Awards. More recently, he featured in popular series like Netflix’s Delhi Crime and JioHotstar’s Dahan: Raakan Ka Rahasya, in addition to appearing in Amazon Prime’s Mirzapur.
While specific plot details for Arjun Bewakoof remain under wraps, Singh has highlighted the film’s ambition to blend genres: “We are mounting a genre-blending entertainer that combines neo-noir suspense with dark comedy, challenging the notion that independent filmmakers are limited to social dramas or slice-of-life narratives.”
Raaj expressed a desire to break away from the stereotype surrounding independent films: “After Andaman, I often heard that independent filmmakers can only make intimate social dramas—not large-scale, audience-friendly cinema. I strongly disagree with that condescending belief. Arjun Bewakoof is my response, featuring wide appeal, strong music, a compelling love story, and a neo-noir suspense core. This project was a creative risk, but the script evolved beautifully and attracted a talented team due to its strength.”
Smita Singh shared her enthusiasm for reuniting with Mishra, stating, “He brings out something new in me, both as a filmmaker and as a person. In Arjun Bewakoof, he steps into an atarangi space—layered, unexpected, and completely original. Rajesh bhai is like my brother and has always supported me. With these two important figures by my side, I feel confident that everything will be taken care of.”
Dolly Singh was recommended for her role by Rajesh Tailang. Singh noted her deep connection with the character and her excitement about working alongside Mishra, whom she greatly admires. Her passion for independent cinema and storytelling helped bring her on board, despite the project operating with a nearly no-budget scale.
Open Theatre’s investment model allows filmmakers to crowdsource funds through social media outreach. Following the film’s release on the platform, profits generated via its pay-per-view system are shared among investors, positioning it as a democratized alternative to traditional studio financing.
Smita Singh remarked on the challenges of independent filmmaking: “Independent filmmakers don’t just direct films; we build entire ecosystems from scratch. From securing locations and managing budgets to conducting workshops and handling logistics, we do it all. At times, it feels like balancing eight arms at once. The creative vision must survive through constant logistical challenges.”
