Vijay Varma has opened up about his recurring ‘red flag’ image on screen, saying he is tired of being categorised through the label and would like to explore characters that bring something different to his filmography. The actor, who has portrayed several morally complex and grey-shaded characters in projects including Darlings, Dahaad and Pink, recently found himself being introduced as the “biggest red flag on screen” at an event hosted by content creator Dolly Singh. Speaking to HT City, Varma reacted to the tag while also discussing his latest role in Lust Stories 3 and sharing his views on women’s safety.
Vijay Varma says he is ‘sick of this red flag green flag’ label
At a recent event, Dolly Singh introduced Vijay Varma as the “biggest red flag on screen”, referencing the actor’s track record of playing complicated or morally questionable characters. A video from the event subsequently circulated on social media, with some viewers observing that Varma appeared uncomfortable with the introduction. Addressing the constant categorisation of his screen characters, the actor told HT City, “I just want a different colour, man. I’m sick of this red flag green flag.”
Why Vijay Varma found his ‘Lust Stories 3’ character refreshing
Varma also explained why his role in Lust Stories 3 felt different from several of the characters he has played previously. Unlike some of his more intense roles, his character in the anthology is someone who fails to pick up on the obvious signals around him. Varma said that quality made the role particularly enjoyable because it allowed him to play a character who was not constantly reading the situation correctly.“I like the guy because he just doesn’t get any hint. I’ve played so many characters who get too many hints, so to play this guy who gets no hint was refreshing,” he said.
Vijay Varma on women’s safety: ‘Men just need to get out of the way’
Varma also addressed the larger conversation around women’s safety amid concerns over crimes against women in different parts of the country. According to the actor, meaningful change requires men to reconsider the way they approach conversations surrounding women’s choices and safety. He argued that men need to create space for women to speak without being judged or made to feel inferior.“Men just need to get out of the way. That’s been the problem for them to think that they have a say in it. They should let women express what they want without judging them, mocking them, or making them feel inferior. I feel like the best service you can do as a man is to let women express themselves and learn from them and hear them out, actually more than anything else,” Varma said.
Vijay Varma’s latest project
Vijay Varma was most recently seen in ‘Lust Stories 3’, which premiered on September 19, 2026. The anthology brings together multiple stories exploring contemporary relationships, intimacy and desire, with Varma’s performance offering him an opportunity to step away from the familiar mould of the brooding or morally grey man.
