MUSCAT: The highly-anticipated movie, Mahaveeryar, has been released in cinema theatres across Oman on July 21 and there’s no denying that movie-goers are going gaga over Indian actor Nivin Pauly’s one-of-a-kind avatar playing an intriguing role. 

In an exclusive interview with The Arabian Stories, ace actor Nivin Pauly sheds light on his experience during filming for Mahaveeryar and what audiences must expect from it. 

1. The film is receiving rave reviews and is well-accepted by the audience too. How was the whole experience for you?

It has been a very exciting journey ever since we began shooting until this stage of the release of Mahaveeryar. For any actor, to see your movie on a big screen is always a dream and for me, that’s how it has been for the last 12 years. 

2. We have seen so much original content during COVID-19. Thanks to OTT platforms which have become an essential tool for movie makers. Your film Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham too was also an OTT release. Post-COVID, how do you see the growth of these OTT platforms? 

I see this in a different way. I strongly feel that the viewing behaviour of our audience has significantly changed especially during COVID-19 and it has certainly allowed these OTT platforms to grow but at the same time, it is also helping young filmmakers to create original content only for OTT. It has also added value to the makers and to the industry too. 

3. There is a lot of discussion about Mahveeryar. I know it’s a time-travel film. It is also the most anticipated film on IMDB, even beating other films involving big stars, including Vikram’s Cobra, Aamir Khan’s Lal Singh Chadda and Brahmastra. Tell us more about the film.

I am hearing a lot of buzz around the film which gives us the much-needed energy but I am really confident about Mahaveeryar. It’s a courtroom drama with elements of time travel and fantasy. As you know, it’s based on a short story written by M. Mukundan and it is conceptualized for an international audience. You will love it, and so will the audience too. The topic is so relevant even today.

4. This is your third collaboration with Abrid Shine and your association with Asif Ali is another highlight of this film. How was the whole experience of shooting Mahaveeryar?

We always wanted to do a film for an international audience and when Abrid Shine told me the story, I felt this was the project that needed to be shot. You know, Abrid Shine is a perfectionist and it took a good amount of time to fully complete this project. The script is the hero of this film. Asif is a great friend and when we were looking for a protagonist, we felt he was the right choice. He is such a great actor and he did an amazing job in this film.

5. You co-produced Mahaveeryar. There are also a few other projects that are in the pipeline to be produced by Pauly Jr Pictures. What are the reasons behind producing your own films?

An ambitious project like Mahaveeryar needs a bigger canvas and it also requires the freedom to think beyond and spend so that you come out with a quality film. I always want to do justice to the audience in whatever film I am part of. Being a producer gives you that room to do what you love. It’s not alone with my films but we are also looking at collaborations with other actors too. 

6. There are discussions in various movie-based groups on social media about the hiatus when it comes to your films. Is this deliberate or are you becoming picky about the roles you choose?

Frankly, I never realized that. I try to be part of projects that I feel will strike a chord with the audience or projects that I feel are challenging but doable. I don’t think that is deliberate. As an actor, I have the freedom to choose the scripts I want to do. Our next is Thaaram which is a rom-com and I need to reshape completely because the character demands that. So that is going to take some time. I don’t think I am choosy. If there is a script that looks promising, I would love to be part of it and I want to give my 100% to it. 

7. What are your upcoming projects?

My next release will be acclaimed director Ram’s Tamil and Malayalam bilingual film, Padavattuand Thuramkuham will also release. I will be shooting soon for Tharam, Rajavu, Gangster of Mundanmala and a film with Haneef Adeni.   

So, what are you waiting for? Catch this much-awaited courtroom drama at your nearest cinema hall and write to us about your experience of the film.