'Missing', a mystery thriller, will be released in theatres on November 19. In this interview, actor Harsha Narra talks about his character, his background, why 'Missing' is unique, his future plans, and more.
The film is directed by Srini Josyula and stars Misha Narang, Nikisha Rangwala as the heroines.
I am a trained actor, having got trained under Deekshit sir. It was my childhood dream to become an actor. I started out as a short film actor. A one-hour short film featuring me in the lead clocked more than 2 million views. I acted in 'Pelli Gola' and 'Muddapappu Avakai', the web series. I was very good at my studies. I am a Computer Science engineer and was a gold medalist at a foreign university later. My parents encouraged my dreams and after I received a medal from Late ANR garu, they felt very happy.
Landing in feature films was always my dream. I auditioned for a lot of roles but failed. Srini Josyula, the director of 'Missing', felt that I am apt for the character he was thinking up.
Since I have no film background, my debut movie has to be special. I didn't want to do some random movie. I received two movie offers even when I was still an acting student. But I refused them. 'Missing' satisfied me because I have got a layered character in it. For a first-time actor, this is a superb script.
My name in the movie is Gautham, who is newly married. While travelling in a car, he falls unconscious. After regaining consciousness, he discovers that his wife is missing. He searches for her and the thrills start.
Every character has got a backstory in the movie. It's a layered story where the characters are varied and well-rounded. 'Missing' is completely original and has been narrated in a refreshing manner. The caption 'Search Vs Revenge' is quite apt.
The heroines are not Telugu girls but they were dedicated enough to learn their lines. Misha Narang was seen in 'Thellavarithe Guruvaram' earlier this year. Nikisha and her are very good actors.
BGM is the soul of a mystery thriller. If the BGM is not proper, the scenes fall flat. Ajay Arasada is a gift that happened to us. I think 'Missing' is going to fetch him the much-needed recognition. At the pre-release event, director Maruthi garu himself appreciated him. Even the songs are organic in 'Missing'. The director was true to the story and the songs take the story forward.
The film has been produced by the father of our director. My father, too, joined later as a producer because he loved the story. Director Josyula is new but he has been in the film industry for many years. He worked on 'Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham', among others, before becoming a filmmaker.
'Missing' is the biggest acting opportunity I have got so far. I will try other genres next. I am not doing any web series as of now. I am listening to film stories. There was a time when I used to visit movie offices for offers, giving audition after audition. Sometimes, I would lose a film after being confirmed as its male lead. I would learn about the offer slipping from my hands from newspaper reports. More than the first film, the second film is important in terms of establishing oneself as an actor. I will be careful in what I do next.
'Missing' has been made on a budget of nearly Rs 3 Cr. We received OTT offers but were intent on a theatrical release. I have watched 'Missing' with my family and they liked it. I therefore say that our film is worth a watch with your families.
