Nikhil Siddharth, who was seen playing the lead role in the National Award-winning film Karthikeya 2, appeared in an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla after the film’s honour.
The film, starring Nikhil, is a Telugu-language mystery action-adventure film which is the sequel to the 2014 film Karthikeya. Directed by Chandu Mondeti, the film tells the story of Dr. Karthikeya, who sets out on a quest to find the lost anklet of Lord Krishna.
Apart from Nikhil, the film also stars Anupama Parameswaran, Anupam Kher, Aditya Menon, Srinivas Reddy, Satya and others in lead roles. Here’s what the actor had to say about his film and his future as an actor!
Nikhil Siddharth reveals his reaction on Karthikeya 2 winning the National Award
Q. How do you think Karthikeya 2 is different from other films of the same genre, and what do you believe contributed to its success?
Answer. I believe the kind of detail we provided and the research we did brought a lot of credibility. We were talking that mythology is our history and science is already present in Indian culture, all these things were very well researched.
I think that’s why when people went back home and Googled some examples and did their research, they realized that what was shown in the movie was absolutely true. It was also shown in a real and honest way and I think the mix of culture, mythology, history, adventure and comedy made it a beautiful family film that everyone could watch together.
It was also quite entertaining because sometimes when you take this genre, the films are not that entertaining, but we made it a big screen experience that people can enjoy in theatres.
Q. How do you believe your film winning the National Award will impact your future projects and career as an actor?
Answer. I think the National Award is an award that makes everyone aware of film across the country. First of all, it played very well in different languages too. It performed very well at the Hindi and South Indian box office. The film also went to North-East and South-West… I traveled across the country to promote the film and I got housefull shows wherever I went.
I think this award along with its awareness has inspired us to do better for the third part. The expectations are also very high because wherever I go people keep asking about the next part and I think the National Award helps. My films Swayambhu and The India House are coming, now that we have tasted it, we will work harder to deliver a good film.
Q. What was your vision for Karthikeya 2, and how did you aim to elevate the story of the first film?
Answer. We always had a good point in the film. This is a universal point. The first part was a Telugu based film but for this we had to ensure that the audience across the country could connect.
This is why we took care in dubbing the film. A scare was also put in place to ensure that we had actors for all parts. We had Anupam Kher sir, we had Anupama from Malayalam, it was not just a pan India success but also a pan India casting. So I think, storytelling…we made it a universal point, and other points were addressed to reach a larger audience.
Q. The film has a strong mythological element. What do you think about films these days striking a balance between entertainment and cultural representation?
Answer. I think it should be done the right way. I mean if you want to take advantage of this genre just because Indic films are trending and making money right now. I think this will not be a good way because such films are coming and failing at the box office.
I believe that money should not be the driving force when you are doing something creative. If the script demands, there should be a very organic approach. I am doing a love story in the middle so I can’t do that but my film Swayambhu may have elements that will reach everyone. It has mythological elements, Indian culture…we are talking about religion and everything.
It should demand it in the film script, it should happen naturally in the film script and it should be presented in an entertaining and enjoyable way that people from all walks of life can enjoy. I know Karthikeya 2 was watched by people of all religions…all walks of life, no one was left behind and made every Indian proud. This is what we try to do and this is what we will try to do in the future also.
Watch the trailer of Karthikeya 2:
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