Bhubaneswar, July 7: He was once the towering villain of Indian television- a name that evoked both fear and fascination. With his commanding presence, thunderous voice, and unforgettable portrayal of Duryodhan in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat during the 1980s, Puneet Issar etched himself into the collective memory of a generation. Now, decades later, the veteran actor is ready to don a new, powerful role-this time, for the silver screen in Odisha.
For the first time in his illustrious career, Puneet Issar will be seen in an Odia-language film. Titled Challenge, the film is helmed by director Ardhendu Sundar Sahu and promises to bring the veteran actor back into the spotlight, this time in an intense, gritty role that’s already turning heads.
Issar, who visited Odisha recently, confirmed the news himself- much to the delight of his fans. The excitement was further amplified with the release of the film’s first-look poster, which features a solo shot of the actor in a strikingly dark and dramatic appearance. With a burning cigarette in hand, blood smeared across his face, and eyes full of menace, Issar’s look in Challenge signals a villainy that’s as cinematic as it is chilling.
The buzz around the poster suggests that audiences in Odisha are eager to welcome the iconic actor into their film industry- and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Challenge is being lined up for release during the festive Dussehra season, aiming to tap into the celebratory spirit with a story packed with drama and action.
Produced by Adikanda Sahu and directed by Saikiran Mangaraj, Challenge is shaping up to be a high-stakes drama where Issar’s character is expected to play a pivotal role. While full plot details are still under wraps, insiders hint at a performance that will remind viewers why Issar has long been hailed as one of Bollywood’s finest antagonists.
Interestingly, Issar now joins the ranks of several iconic Bollywood villains who have left their mark on the Odia film industry over the years. Names like Ranjeet, Raza Murad, Jackie Shroff, Shakti Kapoor, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Rahul Dev, Ashish Vidyarthi, Pradeep Rawat, and Mukesh Rishi have all appeared in negative roles in Odia films — often receiving both commercial success and audience acclaim.
As Challenge gears up for release, all eyes are on Puneet Issar — the man who once ruled television screens as the mythological villain of epic proportions. His entry into Odia cinema not only bridges regional boundaries but also reaffirms that a powerful performance knows no language
