''DESPITE GIVING A JUBILEE HIT, I WAS OUT OF WORK FOR 3 MONTHS''

Navarasa Nayagan Karthik who began his acting career with Bharathi Raja’s Alaigal Oyvadhillai has been a part of many interesting films. He was seen last in KV Anand’s Anegan. Now he is planning to direct a film and we catch up with the actor who takes us on a nostalgic trip.

Accidental Actor
Bharathi Raja saw me on January 29, 1981, and I was taken away on January 31st. I was facing the camera on February 2nd with absolutely no preparation whatsoever. But, I had acted in a couple of plays in school. That was the only experience.

I knew nothing about cinema. I hardly went to shoots with my dad. I did not know anyone in the industry. I was enjoying college. I wanted to join NDA and be a fighter pilot.

But I had learnt a lot of things out of curiosity which helped me in my profession. Like for instance, my father was learning sword fighting for Raja Raja Cholan.  The masters used to come home and teach him. I was also taught along with him. I learnt Silambam and horse riding too. When Enter The Dragons came, there was a craze for Karate and I learnt that too! I never had an inkling that I will be in films, but these things helped me later.

Reluctant Actor
In the initial years, I did not have the freedom to emote the way I wanted and had to follow the instructions. I was revolting. I was like, all my friends are having fun and what am I doing here in front of so many people? It took me three years to accept acting as my profession and come to terms with it as I was revolting all along.

In the interim, I did 3-4 Telugu films and all were hits, whereas, in Tamil, they were many hiccups. Although Alaigal Oyvadhillai was a jubilee hit in both Tamil and Telugu, I did not have work for three months. But something changed my mind, somebody said, “You can’t do this character. It needs maturity and you are used to running around trees”. I was like I AM GOING TO DO THIS and I did it. That was the time I started evolving as an actor on my own. Then came Mouna Ragam, Agni Nathchathiram, Varusham 16, Ponnumani, Amaran and all.

Can you update about your directorial venture?
I have written the script, screenplay and working on the scenes and dialogues now. It would be a well chalked out work with the storyboard and everything like Hollywood style.

Being a Virgo, I am pretty tough and meticulous. Even while I was acting, I never used to think just about my character, but about everyone as it would enhance the product in toto. It applies to my direction as well.

Once the scenes are done, the nature of the characters, their individuality, nuances, attitude, tone, approach, tenor and the body language would have to be firmed up.

How would the film be?
It will be an absolutely commercial action film. It will hold a superb strong message which will be incorporated very well into the script. It will not be a gimmick.  It will also be a very smart film. I am trying to make it very intelligent and at the same time comprehensible to all.

I can’t say more as it will be like revealing the plot line. I can for sure say, it will be a different story with a different approach. I won’t say it has never been tried.

The making of the film and the way it is going to be showcased would be different. The style of narration and visuals will have a meaning. No random or unwanted shot will be there in my film.
It’s a lot of work and it is a very difficult film to make; tough terrain, tough sequences to make. Actors would have to become characters, including me. It will be a movie to look forward to.

Who will be bankrolling the venture?
There are a couple of producers who have shown interest. I am yet to decide. It is quite a heavy budget film as the story is such. Once the story is well edited on paper, you can cut costs, but even then, we need to have the required budget.

Cast
I am looking for terrific performers because their characters would be as powerful as mine. It will be a top actor for sure. I am trying to call in a couple of artists from my times. I have a few people in mind. I am yet to talk to them, but I am sure they won’t say no to me. We have been friends for more than three decades and have travelled together for a long period. More than that, I respect their craft. Director Karthik will be challenging the actor Karthik. It will be challenging for the entire star cast as well. I will be presenting them in a different dimension.

Strong Women
There are three strong women characters. One would be a journalist, the other a doctor and the third a lecturer in a university. There will also be younger cast in the film. It is a beautiful mix of now and then.

Shooting
I am done with the script, in fact, I have two scripts ready, and the second one will follow afterward. My focus is right now on the first one. I will soon begin the shoot when I complete the scenes.

Will Gautham Karthik be there in the film?
No, he will not be there in this but will be there in my next.  People would want to see dad-son combo. It will be tough and I like challenges. When you are challenged, you are at your best. It will not be a regular run-of-the-mill type.

We wish you the best Karthik with your directorial debut!

Jyothsna Bhavanishankar

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