Going undercover: Sanjay Rao brings his comedy chops to the 'Hit Man'

Sanjay Rao’s life is about to change — and he’s ready for it.

The actor is in the biggest role of his life with the Netflix movie, “Hit Man.” It hit theaters in May and will premiere on Netflix on Friday, June 7.

“To be honest with you, it’s the biggest role I’ve had,” he says. “When you get to work with an Oscar-nominated director and comedy legend, it’s a no-brainer.”

Going undercover: Sanjay Rao brings his comedy chops to the 'Hit Man'

Rao recalls being in his car when the call from his agent came in.

“I had come from one open mic and was going to another,” he says. “It was kind of a big deal for me because I had just bombed the open mic before the call.”

“Hit Man” is inspired by an unbelievable true story, a strait-laced professor discovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man. He meets his match in a client who steals his heart and ignites a powder keg of deception, delight and mixed-up identities.

Oscar-nominated director Richard Linklater’s sunlit neo-noir stars Glen Powell as strait-laced professor Gary Johnson, who moonlights as a fake hit man for the New Orleans Police Department.

Preternaturally gifted at inhabiting different guises and personalities to catch hapless people hoping to bump off their enemies, Johnson descends into morally dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to one of those potential criminals, a beautiful young woman named Madison, played by Adria Arjona.

As Madison falls for one of Johnson’s hit man personas — the mysteriously sexy Ron — their steamy affair sets off a chain reaction of play-acting, deception and escalating stakes. It is co-written by Linklater and Powell.

Rao stars as Phil alongside comedy great Retta as the comedic duo of the film — Gary Johnson’s co-workers on the police force who guide him through his undercover missions with humor and encouragement.

Rao says being in “Hit Man” didn’t really sink in until he was doing rehearsals.

“Rick Linklater likes to do rehearsals,” he recalls. “He wanted us to come in a few days early and get to know the script. I had a version of the script, and I didn’t want to make too many choices that were set. I knew the story would be set in New Orleans, and I did the research on what it would be like to be in New Orleans.”

For years, Rao has been a staple in indie and student films, as well as filling spots in any open mic he could participate in.

“As a struggling actor, I’ve done a lot of the indie, short and student films,” he says. “You never know who is going to see it. When I was on set and I saw the caliber of professional actors, it hit me that this film will be seen by millions. I kept telling myself not to embellish anything. I would pitch ideas, and it led to my entire time on set being organic. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Rao says Linklater and Powell would update the script as it was being shot.

“We would get the new pages and they were infused to the conversation elements,” he says. “It was mirrored by the character’s dynamic.”

While Rao was blown away by having Linklater at the helm, he was also just as impressed by Powell and took notes from him while on set.

“Retta and I were doing a scene at this old police station in New Orleans,” he says. “We were in between takes and hanging out. I see Glen messing around in character. I was in the car about 100 feet away. I remember he was walking around in character and he pretended that he lost his keys. I thought he actually lost his keys. I then realized that he was exploring characters. It convinced me. I knew I had to up my game.”

Rao says Phil isn’t a police officer though, he’s an IT specialist.

“I’m the gadget guy,” he says. “I know my way around a computer and AV equipment. I got to take the nerd part of me and expand on it to become Phil.”

Rao’s incredible journey from STEM to the world of comedy has led him to the pivotal role.

He was born in Arizona and had a childhood dream ignited at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he aspired to become an astronaut after meeting the legendary John Glenn.

A doctor and engineer by education, he took a leap into the world of comedy, fueled by a passion for acting and a keen interest in making people laugh.

Graduating with a major in biochemistry from the University of Texas in 2009, Rao’s commitment to his dreams was evident even in his college days, as he balanced living at home and working in a lab while pursuing his studies.

His comedic journey began in Austin, Texas.

Starting as a medical assistant, he navigated the open mic scene, embracing failures before finding his stride in improv. His resilience and dedication eventually led him to commercial work and the “Crunchtime Show.”

His connection to comedy deepened when he met his wife, involved in the comedy scene at Coltown.

They’ve shared a journey of love and laughter for the past six years.

His move to Los Angeles in 2019, followed by his wife in 2020, marked a significant shift in his career as a non-union actor, with his first notable TV role in “The Flight Attendant.”

“I’ve been very fortunate to do what I’ve loved all my life,” he says. “There are a lot of people who have advice and it makes sense to listen. I’d love to be in New Mexico and Atlanta, where all the productions are taking place. I’ve made it happen through hard work, and I can’t wait to see what the world thinks of ‘Hit Man.’ ”