Protagonists are meant to steal the show but sometimes it’s the minor characters that make the reels go round. Here’s a list of minor characters in popular films who make the t2 campus team go... Yeh dil maange more!
BROOKS from Shawshank Redemption (played by James Whitmore): Being one of the oldest convicts in Shawshank, he has heard many stories from “innocent” people. He has seen some change for good and others killed for questioning authority. However, being a man of letters, he earned a reputation as a librarian who loved and enjoyed his space and never dared to think of a life outside Shawshank. A separate film on how Brooks landed up behind the bars, the stories and the people he’s known over the years and why he started loving his chains, would be so interesting.
VESPER from Casino Royale (played by Eva Green): James Bond’s lone love was seen in Casino Royale. Even a cad like 007 fell in love with Vesper, so much so that he named a drink after her and even sent in his resignation in order to live a simple life with her. But Vesper’s past was never spelt out. Of course she had a lover before this, her necklace proves it. She lived the life of an orphan teenager, equally smart as Bond yet scared of the sight of blood. And she never got a chance to tell Bond that she wasn’t betraying him. One of the stronger female characters in a male-dominated film, Vesper’s story is similar to Bond’s, yet unexplored. We need a film on her to understand her and to know which side she really was on.
SNAPE from the Harry Potter series (played by Alan Rickman): Portrayed as one of the darkest characters for years, the true story of Professor Severus Snape unfolded only with his death. Suddenly the most hated character in the series became the one most sympathised with. Young Snape was in love with Harry Potter’s mother Lily but she chose James. They were in two different Houses at Hogwarts and Snape was drawn to the Dark Arts. Lily married James but Snape continued to love her. His mixed feelings towards Harry was both because he reminded him of Lily and also how James won her over him. Snape is easily one of the bravest and most loyal characters in the series. He secretly protected Harry, expecting nothing in return. The story of the heartbroken boy who lived the life of a Dark Lord but died a hero needs a standalone film!
ALFRED from the Batman series (played by Michael Caine): People spout lines from Batman and Bruce Wayne all the time and drawn parallels with The Joker’s life, but we often forget one of the most important people who helped Bruce become the Bat. The selfless butler who had nothing to gain by raising Bruce like his own son, is the poster boy of patience and kindness. He comforted little Bruce when he lost his parents and counselled him to rise above the pain and anger. He helped the billionaire boy use his power for good and also guided Batman with his quiet wisdom. But don’t you want to know more? Does Alfred feel the thrill of his proximity to Batman or does he only worry for his ward? Maybe someday we’ll get to know who his wife was, how he came to work for the Waynes and if he carries any regrets in his silent heart.
BOB BISWAS from Kahaani (played by Saswata Chatterjee): The menacing contract killer who failed at being a humble life insurance agent but excelled at cold-blooded murder fascinated us no end. One of the most popular side characters (along with Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Khan), Bob Biswas was all over social media after the film’s release. But why was the character so stone-hearted? Why the menacing ‘Nomoshkar, Bob Biswas’? Did he have a family? If not, why did he need the extra money? This contract killer surely deserves another contract — on celluloid, of course.
IMRAAN from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (played by Farhan Akhtar): We’re so crushed out on this sensitive poet-cum-prankster that we just can’t have enough of him. Spain was much more than a road trip for him. His emotional upheavals upon meeting the father he never knew and being disappointed by him were the high points of the film for many of us. Does he ever go back to Spain... maybe when his father is old and feeble? And whatever happened between him and his Spanish girl Nuria? Hot stuff, we’re sure! Like we said, we need more dope on the dishy Imraan.
Which minor character from cinema do you want to see more of? Tell t2@abp.in
