Young actor Nikhil, best known for his pickpocketer role in ‘Swamy Ra Ra’, spoke with Ragalahari about his upcoming film ‘Karthikeya’, in which he plays a character which is quite contrast to what he played in his previous film. Nikhil opened up about how his new film can create a more belief in God and at the same time leave puzzling questions. ‘Karthikeya’ is about a doctor named Karthik who believes in scientific explanation. It’s a thriller mixed with entertainment written and directed by a debutant Chandu Mondeti. The film is currently in post-production work and scheduled for release shortly. Meanwhile we caught up with hero Nikhil to talk about the film. Here is an exclusive interview.
Tell your fans a little bit about your new film ‘Karthikeya’?
It's the first time I'm doing a Thriller mixed with Entertainment... After ‘Swamy Ra Ra’, I wanted to make sure that all people who like me should always enjoy my movies and when they buy a ticket and come, they should go back with complete satisfaction. ‘Karthikeya’ script will not disappoint my Well Wishers/Fans.
In what manner the lead character in ‘Karthikeya’ inspired you? Would you like to sum up your character in couple of words?
He is a Doctor. He is curious and he believes in Scientific Explanation. I felt Karthik in ‘Karthikeya’ will make the people think with his puzzling questions and also surprise them with his solutions.
'Karthikeya’ being the following film of your super hit ‘Swamy Ra Ra’, expectations are obviously high. So how did you prepare for it?
The success of ‘Swamy Ra Ra’ made me very cautious because now I’ve more responsibility. It took me a lot of time to lock onto the script of ‘Karthikeya’ and even more time to get my look right. Hopefully I can keep the success flowing with ‘Karthikeya’ too! lol :-)
The film is simultaneously being made in Tamil also right? Did you dub your voice in Tamil?
Yes it is my 1st straight film in Tamil, and I'm very excited about that. I did dub for few scenes. But it is up to the director if he wants keep my voice for the Tamil version or not.
What is one of your favourite things about this cool upcoming film?
It is a good mix of Fun and Thrills. This mixture is the coolest thing about ‘Karthikeya’, and of course the storyline. It’s like an Enid Blyton, Famous Five kind of Novel.
What have you learned from director Chandu Mondeti?
A lot of acting. He is fantastic in expressions and would act every scene for me and show. He is also hilarious on sets. He literally shot the film playing around. lol.
How was the working experience with this team? Can you share any interesting stories about the shooting, like jokes or pranks?
The average age of the team is 28. So it was so much fun with dance and masti, especially with Satya, Praveena and Swati’s non-stop pranks. The best was the making video guy who recorded most of the pranks. We will leak the videos soon! hehehe...
There was also a scene where I had to dip in murky lake at 1 in the midnight and was assured by the director it was safe. The next day when I was passing by the lake I saw snakes and various reptiles in the water exactly where I was standing. I was stunned!! lol.
Tell us about music and cinematography in ‘Karthikeya’.
Background music is the life of this movie. You can see in the trailer that musical score lifts the tempo of the movie. Shekar Chandra has done a phenomenal job in this film. And about our DOP Karthik Ghattamaneni, I was soo impressed with his work that I have agreed to do my next film under his Direction. He was the perfect eye for the director and will be the standout technician in ‘Karthikeya’.
Your previous film ‘Swamy Ra Ra’ received a lot of critical acclaims and also became successful commercially. How was it playing that particular character?
I did a lot of homework for my Pick-Pocketer role in ‘Swamy Ra Ra’. When the movie gets both critical acclaim and commercial success it's the most satisfying for an actor. All our hard work paid off. .Even for ‘Karthikeya’, I did a lot of homework and studied how Doctors actually think and work.
What was it like working with Swathi in two consecutive films?
The producer wanted the success combination back and Swati being a Telugu girl made me perform better. It was a win win situation because she is also famous in Tamil and thus got craze for the Tamil film version too. When she is on set it's like a Party for the entire set. She lifts everyone’s mood up.
Can we ask you about the love of your life?
The love of my life are my parents as of now. I even have their names tattooed onto the back of my shoulders. But otherwise if you are asking about girl love, I'm still looking for it. I believe once I settle down as a worthy Hero I can concentrate on matters of heart. lol. But i guess I’ve left the choice of girl to my parents.
Who is your cinematic crush?
Bhumika Chawla, for being Madhu in Khushi movie.
You seems to be a huge fan of Football game. What are your other interests?
Yes it is a beautiful game and very addictive. But I prefer to play cricket and watch soccer, because, playing football can lead to many injuries. And as an actor, cricket is safer to play. I love travelling a lot too.
Which is your favourite genre in films?
Comedy. My next film after ‘Karthikeya’ is a Romantic Comedy. Looking forward to shoot for that from July.
What are your favourite movie endings?
The ending in ‘Khushi’ is very enjoyable. The climax scene in ‘Sixth Sense’ (Hollywood) is crazy, and the last scene in ‘7 G Brindavan Colony’ made me cry the most.
Apart from acting, do you have any other hidden talents?
I'm a pretty good timer of the Cricket Ball. Watch out for me in this year's CCL matches. hehehehe...
What’s your goal as an actor?
To entertain people as long as I can. It’s the biggest high when people like our films. I want to keep experimenting and doing various roles and always keep the audiences’ curiosity levels up.
Is there a particular renowned director that you are looking forward to work with?
Everyone wants to work with Rajamouli sir, so I’m no exception. At the same time I would want to be given a chance to work with directors like Puri Jagannath sir and Shekar Kammula sir.
Tell us little bit about your next coming up project?
As I mentioned before, it’s a ROMANTIC COMEDY. It’s a very cute love story narrated in a humorous fashion. It will be different from the Crime comedy of ‘Swamy Ra Ra’ and the thrill of ‘Karthikeya’. This will be directed by Karthik Ghattamaneni the DOP of ‘Karthikeya’.
One final question. What kind of message would you say the movie ‘Karthikeya’ gives?
After watching ‘Karthikeya’, when people next visit the temple or pray to God, they will 100 percent think of this film atleast for a moment. It will make us believe in God more, and at the same time leave us with Puzzling questions. All I can say is come and enjoy the Mystery.
___Radhika Andluri
