Right from the beginning of his career that started a decade ago, Nithin attempted several films in different genres but ultimately proved that he is an apt hero for films based on love story subjects. Over the years if one observes his success graph, 'Jayam', 'Dil', 'Sye' and now 'Ishq', 'Gunde Jaari Gallantayyinde' and 'Heart Attack' all belong to the love genre. 'Courier Boy Kalyan' which is set to hit theaters very soon is also a love story movie. Now coming back to his just released 'Heart Attack', Nithin played a hippy character with stylish looks, which was first time in his career, and he got to work with an experienced director like Puri Jagannadh. After the film hit theaters on January 31, he had a chat with the media about the film and what he loves about working with Puri Jagannadh. So enjoy this young and handsome hero's interview....
How is the pain of Heart Attack?
(Laughs) The attack given by the Telugu audience is very sweet. I'm very happy about that.
After a string of failures, you have hit a hat trick. How do you feel about that?
I feel happy, but not great about it. I know the value of failure as well as the value of success. I don't get depressed by failures or get excited with success. Among all my films so far, the first week collections of 'Gunde Jaari Gallantayyinde' were the highest. But this film has crossed that range. 'Heart Attack' is the biggest hit in my career.
What made you become emotional after watching 'Heart Attack' in the theater?
Puri, myself and our entire team were completely involved in this film. Though we are not aware about who created the negative publicity, the talk that the film is not good was circulating even before the release of the film. Despite that the film received the success talk post release. The last 40 minutes got tremendous response from the audience. By looking at that response I became a little emotional.
So far you haven't done a lip-lock scene? What was your feeling when you first heard about it?
You know lip lock was not shown in the film. It's impact was great as both hero and heroine were covered with a cloth on top of them. That has also generated curiosity among the audience. All that was Puri's plan.
You did a hippy character for the first time. What precautions did you take regarding that?
We have done 2-3 photo shoots before the regular shooting began. So I changed my look and hair style accordingly. When it comes to performance, I blindly followed Puri.
Can you tell our readers about your working experience with Puri Jagannadh?
Puri Jagannadh is my favorite director among all directors that I've worked so far. He is very cool and never gets angry. He handles any critical situation smoothly. According to me, everything will go smooth only if the director is cool on the set. He is really great in that aspect.
Now let's talk about heroine Adah Sharma. What was it like working with her?
Adah Sharma gave wonderful performance even though she was new to acting. The onscreen chemistry between us was good. She involved herself into the character and gave superb performance. The audience response was tremendous for the reunite scene that comes half an hour after the break-up scene during the interval.
Was there a specific reason for making your name appear after the heroine's name in titles?
If you have seen 'Chennai Express', Shah Rukh Khan's name appears after Deepika Padukone's name. So I felt like doing the same after watching that movie. It's not a sentiment. One can consider it as the concept of respect for women.
What kind of a girlfriend do you want?
We can't fix up something and keep waiting for it right! We will proceed with a person whoever attracts us at that moment isn't it!
Will you do multi-starer movies?
Yes, of course. I'll certainly do if I come across good stories.
There is a buzz in the industry that you have increased your remuneration. What is your comment on that?
Both 'Ishq' and 'Gunde Jaari Gallantayyinde' were under my home production. Even though 'Heart Attack' came out from Puri Jagannadh's banner, I considered it as my own banner. My upcoming projects are again under my home production. At this juncture how can anyone think that I've increased the remuneration.
In that case, will you not do films with other producers?
Why not? I'll certainly work with those producers who have passion for films and come out with good stories.
'Ishq', 'Gunde Jaari Gallantayyinde' and 'Heart Attack' are all love based films. Are you going to continue films in this genre only?
Nothing like that. I sincerely believe that love story subjects are best suitable for me. However I'm ensuring that other elements do have prominence in my films even though they are love stories. My next film 'Courier Boy Kalyan' is also a love story movie, but the basic point of the film was not touched by anyone before.
Is Puri planning to do 'Heart Attack' sequel? If so, are you going to be hero in that project also?
I can't say anything about it now. If Puri plans to make the sequel and if he feels that I'm apt for it, I'll certainly do because I want to work with him again.
You and Nithya have become a hit pair with 'Ishq' and 'Gunde Jaari Gallantayyinde'. Then why haven't choose her for this film?
It's completely Puri's choice. Moreover Anoop and I, who worked for those two films were together working for this film too. So it was felt that if Nithya is also included in this team, the audience would get bored of it. That's how a new heroine was considered for this film.
Can you give some details about your film in Karunakaran combination?
It's a feel good love story of his brand like 'Tholi Prema' and 'Darling'. The film will be made with elements like comedy and entertainment. Anoop Rubens is the music director.
What kind of image do you think you currently have?
Both my previous films 'Ishq' and 'Gunde Jaari Gallantayyinde' were class films and became more successful in A center than B and C centers. However, the collections of 'Heart Attack' movie are good in B and C centers along with A. The way Puri handled the story has earned me a good image among the mass audience too.
Any attempts to jump into Bollywood?
I don't have any such plans now, as I need to do many more good films here. So let me think of that later.
What are your next projects?
'Courier Boy Kalyan' is complete except for a song. The movie will be releasing in April. My next movie is under Srivaas' direction. The shooting will start on February 9. Another film under Karunakaran's direction will hit floors during the month end.
