HYDERABAD: Even as he’s warming up to the strenuous role of a full-time producer, actor Nithiin is back in the shoes of an actor with Courier Boy Kalyan. The actor is surprisingly candid ahead of the film’s release and points out that the audience would see a new side of him in the film. “This is the first time in my career where I have done a film as different as this one. I play a soft character, that of a middle-class person. The film shows how a common man can become a hero. I’m deviating from the usual commercial, action-oriented roles,” says Nithiin.
Produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon, Courier Boy Kalyan is being helmed by debutante director Prem Sai, who according to Nithiin, has put his stamp on the film.
“At no point did I feel like he is a debutante director. Yes, initially I had my apprehensions – though the script is good, I wondered if a new director would be able to execute it properly. However, once shooting started, he was confident and in control. Courier Boy Kalyan is a director’s film,” the actor explains.
Though the shoot for the film began three years earlier, it has been marred by constant delays in production due to financial reasons. Nithiin, who was previously seen in Chinnadaana Nee Kosam in December 2014, is relieved that Courier Boy Kalyan is finally hitting screens this week.
“On one hand, I’m upset that the film was delayed so many times but on the other hand, I’m excited that a fresh concept is being introduced. Maybe three years ago, the audience would have rejected this idea but today there is a better chance of it working out. If the film clicks, it would pave the way for more such films with unique ideas, which is an exciting prospect,” Nithiin observes.
The actor-producer has also garnered attention for his upcoming production venture Akhil, which will be the launchpad for Nagarjuna’s younger son Akhil Akkineni.
A few scenes from the film, which is currently being shot in Europe, were leaked online. With no official word from the makers, speculation was rife that the scenes were deliberately leaked to attract publicity. Rubbishing all such rumours, Nithiin says, “Obviously with a director like VV Vinayak, the film will receive attention by itself. There is no need for us to leak videos for attention. In reality, when the shooting was taking place in Spain, some people shot the video and then leaked it.”
With no expense being spared to shoot Akhil, rumour had it that Nithiin and his father Sudhakar Reddy had run out of money, which caused several delays in production. “Yes, we have spent a fair bit of money but we did it on the script. The script for Akhil demanded a lot of travelling, from one place to another. At the end of the day, there are no such financial issues and the film will go ahead as planned,” Nithiin clarified.
Also featuring Sayesha Saigal, Akhil is slated to release on October 21, just a week after Ram Charan-starrer Bruce Lee hits the stands. Unperturbed by the clash between two big films, the actor says, “In today’s times, one week is a healthy gap. There’s plenty of space for both to thrive on their own.”
Apart from producing Akhil, Nithiin will also be seen opposite Samantha in Trivikram’s A...AA – Anasuya Ramalingam Vs Anand Vihari.
“It is going to be an out-and-out entertainer and will be done in Trivikram’s typical style. As soon as he narrated the story to me, I was impressed. So I’m really looking forward to the film’s release,” expresses the 32-year-old.
Nithiin, who is a huge fan of powerstar Pawan Kalyan, is uncertain about the actor-politician’s presence at Akhil’s audio launch, but hopes to produce a film with him in the future.
“If I get the chance to produce a film with Pawan Kalyan garu, I would naturally be delighted to do it. If he agrees to do the film, I would leave aside all my other projects and do it,” he adds, with a smile.Produced by Gautham Menon, Courier Boy Kalyan also features Yami Gautham and will hit screens on September 17.