Nivin Pauly had all of 12 hours in Dubai to promote his latest film, Richie, even as he got ready to fly back and do more promotions, shoots and meetups in various South Indian cities. He looks tired but it is evident how this plain-looking actor has made waves in the South Indian movie industry. The charm comes from his approachability, both in his roles and in person.
2017 has been a busy year for the 33-year old with three movies being released and more than three in pre-release or production phases. Calling Richie his Tamil debut might be confusing for some, as his hits Premam and Neram, were produced in Malayalam and Tamil simultaneously.
However, Richie is Pauly’s first movie with Tamil-only dialogue, created solely for the Tamil audience.
Tell us about the character you play in Richie.
Richie is a unique character. He is very spontaneous, he has no plans, he does what he wants, says what he feels like, and beats up anyone he wants. He has his own rules. When we were shooting for the movie, my director would tell me to not prepare and to act spontaneously, based on how I understood Richie to be.
How has the response from Tamil Nadu been, as of now?
It has been great so far but with Tamil audience, you can’t really predict anything. You create something and hope against hope that it does well. For example, we expected Neram to do really well in the Tamil box office, but it didn’t do as much as expected. But Premam completed 200 days in theatres in Tamil Nadu. So, we’re going into this without any idea of how it will be received.
Tamil movies are known for an oomph factor — in action, songs and romance. Will we find that in Richie?
No, Richie does not have that typical Tamil flavour at all. It has been conceptualised as a very realistic story and that’s what you’ll find. There is not even one action scene in the movie, and virtually no romance. Richie is definitely different in that way from other Tamil movies.
Did having to act and dub in a different language make it harder?
It was definitely harder, more so in the beginning of the acting process and during dubbing. You are required to get the words right, and of course, the diction and dialect right as well. It was extremely important for us to get that on point, given that the movie was created for a Tamil audience.
Do you have any new Tamil projects?
Yes, I have committed to two new projects. However, I am not focusing a lot on making Tamil movies at the moment — I don’t think that’s a wise decision for me as of now.
Could you tell us about your character in Hey Jude?
Hey Jude is my next Malayalam project, opposite Trisha, and I play a character who suffers from autism. It is a romantic comedy and is directed by Shyama Prasad.
What other projects are you currently working on?
I am shooting for Kayamkulam Kochunni right now and will start shooting for Love, Action, Drama opposite Nayanthara soon after that.
Love, Action, Drama — is that exactly what the audience will get?
Yes, that movie is definitely aimed at being commercial success, than for a critical one. It is a typical Indian movie, fun to watch, but is simple in concept. There will be great songs, some great action, a few comedy scenes; it will be a family entertainer.
You recently became the father of a baby girl. How do you balance being at home with her and your son while shooting?
It has been the greatest struggle honestly. I have just been on a roll with shooting, promotions and travelling — I haven’t taken a break this month. After this I head to Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Udupi, Chennai, and Kochi — I kind of feel like a machine. My son, although he is just five, asks for movies to watch when I am not around and when he is missing appa [father].
At the Dubai International Film Festival going on this week, a major topic of discussion for world cinema is gender equality in pay. What are your thoughts?
This inequality is prevalent everywhere. I honestly don’t know how it could change or when it would. I think it is because of the audience as well — the people have gotten used to and maybe prefer watching movies with a higher importance on the male hero in India. While women-oriented movies are coming out and being successful, the mindset of the audience is the same and I think it’s the audience that drives factors such as these.
Sexual harassment is an issue in all movie industries. Do you think there’s a pathway to change through young stars like yourself?
Well, I think it is about the individual itself. Every industry, not just cinema, has good and bad sides. One bad incident isn’t what that entire industry stands for. You should let nothing deter you or put you off from what your goal is. You get to decide your path and whatever else comes in the way you should ignore or cut off from yourself.
Don’t miss it
Richie is now showing in the UAE.
