Young hero Nikhil, has been doing some very interesting films in the recent times. Once again, he is back with a thrilling revenge drama called Keshava. On the eve of the film’s release, we caught up with Nikhil for a very detailed interview where he opens up about his films and marriage.
How tense are you about the film’s release?
I am very tensed as my film is coming out at a time when Baahubali is still going strong. I have tried something really different for the very first time and am curious to find out the reaction of the audience.
Keshava is your biggest release to date. How does it feel?
I feel quite happy as the film is opening in close to 650 locations all over. The film is opening in places like Australia, Europe, and many other places which is a first for me and I am super excited.
Off late, your films have been eagerly awaited. How does it feel?
I feel so humbled with all the love that I am getting. I thank all the media and fans who write and speak so positively about my films. My responsibility has grown towards them and I hope that I will live to all their expectations in the coming days as well.
What attracted you towards Keshava?
Firstly, I have never done a serious action film to date. Secondly, the script had a lot of scope for me to showcase my acting skills. The emotion that is generated through my character is quite intense and will shock many.
What kind of inputs do you give to your directors?
I just select stories which I feel will appeal to all and have something for me to perform. Once the script is locked, I never interfere in the filming part and leave it to the directors.
Keshava has created a good hype. Will your film sustain it?
Yes of course. I feel that in this heat wave of Bahubali, our film has managed a good hype which is good as the openings that we will get from the first days will be quite good for the producers to get into the safe zone.
Your director Sudheer says that he was blown away with your performance?
Laughs! The audience needs to decide whether my work is good or not. I have given everything for my film and tried to showcase the actor in me with Keshava. I hope everyone likes my performance.
This year you complete ten years in the industry. How does it feel?
More than anything, I feel very lucky to have survived these ten years. There is so much of competition around and one needs to do different things every time to stay in the game. Luckily, things are working out for me and I pray this good phase stays forever.
Grabbing unique films is quite difficult. How will you manage that in the future?
Luckily, I have been getting good films so far and with Telugu cinema changing so much in the recent year or so, I feel that directors will surely come up to me with different scripts. My next few films are quite interesting and are different from each other completely.
When are you getting married?
Laughs again! There is a lot of pressure on me to get married from my parents. We never know what will happen but mine will surely be a love cum arranged marriage as I am looking for that someone special in my life.
Your upcoming projects?
I am doing an out and out college film next which will be directed by Raju Sundaram. I also have Karthikeya sequel with Chandoo Mondeti and another action film lined up.
Finally, sum up Keshava for us?
Keshava is an intense revenge drama which has been narrated in quite a retro kind of a style. The way the story moves forward with some intense emotions and twists will be the highlight of the project.
With that, we ended our conversation with Nikhil and wished him the best of luck for his film. Watch out this space for Keshava’s complete movie review.
Interviewed by Avad