In an interview with South First, 'Jameelante Poovan Kozhi' actor Nithin Thomas shares about his journey in cinema.
Published Dec 28, 2024 | 2:13 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 28, 2024 | 2:13 PM
Nithin Thomas. (Supplied)
Malayalam actor Nithin Thomas is gaining popularity with his interesting roles in films. Recently, he played a full-length negative character in Jameelante Poovan Kozhi.
Nithin has also acted in short films. In 2013, he was part of a project by Manorama to celebrate 100 Years of Indian Cinema, where he won second prize for Best Actor.
In an interview with South First, Nithin shares his journey in cinema.
Q. How did you prepare for Jameelante Poovan Kozhi, in which you are doing an extensive role?
A. I played a police character that adds suspense to the movie. The role isn’t revealed right away, and there’s a twist at the end. To prepare, I worked out at the gym to shape my physique like a cop. I also studied references related to the character. I tend to observe things and incorporate them into my roles, which I did here as a police officer. The stunts in the movie were performed under the stunt director’s guidance. Timing is crucial in stunt scenes.
I was part of the Koothu Patarai theatre in Tamil Nadu, where they teach stunts. This training, including Kalaripayattu, was very helpful. I also studied Kalari, which has made me more flexible.
Q. How well are you trained as an actor?
A. As I mentioned, I am trained in Kalaripayattu, which helps in fight scenes. I studied it to be prepared for future roles that require such skills. For example, if I get the chance to do a fight scene with Mohanlal or another actor, I want to be ready. I have also been attending acting workshops.
Q. What are the challenges you face as an actor?
Nithin Thomas has done an impressive role in ‘Christopher’. (Supplied)
A. Many influencers are entering acting without the necessary skills, while people like me are learning new skills for film roles. However, influencers with large followings are in demand because filmmakers consider the marketing aspect. I had a personal experience where I was replaced by a social media influencer in a movie. I’m not saying they lack talent, but influencers with more subscribers on YouTube and other platforms are getting more opportunities.
For example, in some recent blockbusters, influencers with large fan bases played roles, and many of their followers watched those films.
Meanwhile, people like me, with different skills, are getting fewer roles. I’ve discussed this with like-minded people, and they share similar concerns.
Q. How do you overcome this?
A. It’s important not to stick to just one skill. Many people are now writing scripts and trying to make films. For example, young actors are also getting into writing. I am also working on a film and currently writing a story.
I’ve been asking myself what else I can do apart from acting, and I’ve been attending auditions, seeking opportunities, and meeting filmmakers. I’ve directed and produced four short films. One is about mental health, another was made during the Covid period. One of my directed films, Metro Boy, in association with A.M.M.A (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) and Kochi Metro, won third prize. I’ve also worked on promotions for Sivakarthikeyan’s Tamil films, including Remo, Velaikaran, and Seemaraja in Kerala.
I plan to direct films as well. My ultimate goal is to become a globally acclaimed actor. I also want to direct, to create my own space in the industry, as there are fewer opportunities for actors.
Q. You have been in the industry for 10 years. What kind of roles do you want to do?
A. At this stage, I can only take on the films that come my way. My goal is to play hero roles, create stardom in the Malayalam industry, and become a brand. Along that journey, I want to take on roles that can’t be easily replaced, whether it’s a police role or any other.
Q. What gives you the confidence to say that you want to become a lead actor in such a competitive industry?
A. I believe in my talent and have confidence in my abilities. I’m confident I can become a lead actor, and I speak with that belief in mind. I’m sure I can take on such roles if a director offers them. I have experience in short films and have received appreciation for my work. I’m also confident I can handle challenging roles, like action films, as I’m trained for them.
Q. Your performance in the first film was widely appreciated. How was the experience of working with the director, who is also a close friend, and the lead actor, Indrajith?
Nithin Thomas is an aspiring actor. (Supplied)
A. The director and I studied together in college. Aaha had a plot centred around the game Tug of War, requiring us to do a lot of physical work. Learning the game was tough, and the physical pain we endured for the movie was intense. Indrajith and the other actors, including me, faced physical challenges during the shoot.
We filmed in hilly areas under the afternoon sun. I also had to drive a Jeep, so I practised driving on hilly terrains, which was a real challenge. Working with the director and Indrajith was a great experience. It felt like a true team effort.
Q. You had also worked with Mammootty in Christopher, how was the experience?
A. I was told that the sets of B Unnikrishnan and Mammootty would be serious. However, I didn’t feel any fear while filming. Perhaps it was because I had learned Kalaripayattu, and having a skill helps me stay positive. I was excited to work with Mammootty.
After the scene, he came up to me and we spoke. I told him I was a struggling actor. He smiled and replied, “Everyone is struggling.” His words were true—success requires constant effort from everyone.
Q. Do you ask directors for opportunities?
A. Yes, I do ask directors for roles in movies. It’s a routine for me, as I stay updated on new auditions and films. Like when Christopher was released, I messaged director Mahesh Narayanan about my role.
Q. When did you decide you want to be an actor?
Nithin Thomas in ‘Jameelante Poovan Kozhi’. (Supplied)
A. I wasn’t involved in any art forms, dramas, or mimicry. As an introvert, I didn’t know how to get into cinema. However, I got the opportunity to play a lead role in a project directed by one of my super seniors in college. That’s when my desire to act started to take shape. I later acted in another project, but I wasn’t sure what to do next, even though other short films were being made. I wanted to ask for roles but didn’t.
Three to four years later, I shared my desire to act in films with a close friend who is now an ad filmmaker. After his feedback, I began actively seeking new opportunities. Now, I’m confident in saying that I am an actor.
Q. In another five years, where do you want to be in terms of acting?
A. I’m moving forward with the belief that I can become a lead actor in the industry. In Christopher, my police character was well portrayed and noticed, thanks to the director’s approach. In my future films, I believe that only roles with depth will help me take the next step in my career.
Q. What are your upcoming projects?
A. My next is Shane Nigam’s 25th movie which is currently under production. It is directed by Unni Sivalingam and I play a key role as per the brief. I expect that movie to be a good one.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
