After a conventional over-the-top act in Total Dhamaal, and a nuanced performance in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Anil Kapoor's upcoming romantic thriller, Malang sees him essay a part with shades of grey. Referring to his character as "extremely quirky", a trade source tells mid-day, "Malang showcases the point of view of four people - among them, Anil being one - about an occurring that has taken place over a night. All the characters are grey. Anil's role is extremely quirky and mad.

One can't define what he plays, because his character's [personality] keeps changing. He has a dark humour with heroic shades. He is the oddball in the group; doesn't conform to society and does things on his own. It's a character off Quentin Tarantino's films." The source adds that even though the actor's look is yet to be arrived at, he has been exchanging notes with the creative team regularly.