As Gully Boy marks seven years, many fans still point to Vijay Varma’s Moeen as a standout. The character’s mix of charm and conflict helped shape the film’s cultural pull. Viewers across India connected with Moeen’s choices and pain. That response also pushed Vijay Varma into wider notice among contemporary actors.
Vijay Varma has often said Moeen changed the way acting felt on set. The turning point came during a crucial prison scene shared with Ranveer Singh. Vijay recalled, “I think it happened in the jail sequence. Both Ranveer and I felt it. There’s a scene where he comes and says — I’m going to tell the police that you are innocent… And Moeen is like — You have a future. You have a dream. I don’t have anything. I was supposed to end up here. You know, that moment… in that silence, I felt like this man loves me the most and that broke me.”
Gully Boy, Vijay Varma and Moeen: impact beyond the film
The effect of Gully Boy on Vijay Varma’s life became very clear after release. Remembering those days, Vijay said, “When this film came out in the theatres, I was shocked actually. I had no idea what a successful film can do to you. So Zoya was like — I’m going to watch the film at Gaiety Galaxy, you want to come? I said, yeah, I’ll come. I came out of Gaiety, and for the first time I got papped. And I didn’t realise that they were all saying something, I couldn’t understand at first, but they were all saying their own version of ‘wade wade wow wow’ (the iconic scene) you know. For the next couple of years, it was just that.”
That sudden attention showed how strongly audiences responded to Gully Boy and Moeen. The character’s rough background, sense of loyalty and acceptance of fate felt real on screen. Vijay Varma’s performance balanced toughness with hidden warmth. Critics praised this mix, noting the detail and restraint in many scenes.
Seven years after release, Moeen still draws mention whenever Gully Boy is discussed. The character remains central to how people remember the film’s world. For Vijay Varma, those moments in the theatre and on set marked a clear shift. The role underlined a craft that continues to shape projects and performances.