Vijay’s death in Octopussy is one of the movie’s most jarring creative choices. As Bond’s local MI6 contact in India, Vijay’s levity and upbeat demeanor complement Roger Moore’s lighter interpretation of 007. Their dynamic adds texture to Bond’s time on the subcontinent and helps ground the early portion of the movie, especially in a country Bond normally does not visit.

This is precisely why his sudden and gruesome murder at the hands of Kamal Khan’s men is so tragic. The use of the yo-yo circular saw and the destruction it causes would make for a horrific death. And the scene where Q shows Bond Vijay’s likely mangled body doesn’t help in digesting the death of such a playful character.