Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has carved a significant niche for himself in the south Indian film industry. With notable projects like Kaththi, Kavacham, and the pan-India blockbuster Saaho under his belt, he is now preparing for his next venture, the Tamil-Telugu bilingual MaayaOne. In a recent interview, the actor reflected on his cinematic journey in the Telugu film industry and shared his admiration for the powerful storytelling found in Tollywood.
From Apprehension to Confidence: Embracing South Indian Cinema
Neil Nitin Mukesh admitted that stepping into industries beyond Hindi cinema initially filled him with nervousness. However, that feeling was short-lived. He realized that for an actor, language is not a barrier but a medium to connect with the audience through one's craft. His debut Tamil film, Kaththi, directed by AR Murugadoss, proved to be a turning point. The overwhelming appreciation the film received boosted his confidence immensely and encouraged him to explore Telugu cinema.
Starting with Saaho and followed by Kavacham, each project helped him become more comfortable with the language and the cultural nuances. "I can't say I've mastered Telugu yet, but I've definitely picked up the knack of understanding it," Neil stated. He added that every visit to Hyderabad becomes a learning experience, helping him pick up new words and deepen his connection with the industry.
The Art of Playing the Villain and Tollywood's Script Strength
Known for his layered portrayals of antagonists and anti-heroes, Neil Nitin Mukesh has a unique perspective on such roles. He believes that the real stars of south Indian cinema, particularly in Tollywood, are the stories, writing, and screenplays. Playing a villain, he explains, involves a conscious preparation for the character's downfall, which is the ultimate sacrifice in the narrative.
"When you play a villain, you already know you're preparing for a downfall. That's the biggest sacrifice. But it also means you put in more energy to make sure the hero's rise feels even greater," he elaborated. He praised the industry's understanding that a powerful hero needs an equally formidable antagonist. "They build powerful antagonists because they know if you don't have a big villain, you can't have a big hero. And Tollywood scripts support that beautifully," Neil remarked.
MaayaOne and the Legacy of Boundary-Pushing Cinema
Neil Nitin Mukesh is set to star alongside Sundeep Kishan in MaayaOne, the sequel to the 2017 film Maayavan (released as Project Z in Telugu). He describes the film as having an exciting blend of technology with a strong human core. According to him, the movie balances spectacular visuals with a compelling emotional graph, making it a true entertainer.
Reflecting on the broader appeal of south Indian cinema, Neil pointed out its long history of experimentation and pushing creative boundaries. He cited groundbreaking films like Eega, Baahubali, and even older classics like Appu Raja as examples. "From both a script and storytelling perspective, this industry has consistently pushed boundaries," he said. He emphasized that cinema is meant to be larger than life, to create a world of make-believe that entertains audiences, a ethos he believes MaayaOne perfectly embodies.
Neil Nitin Mukesh's journey underscores the evolving, borderless nature of Indian cinema, where talent and compelling stories transcend linguistic barriers, creating a unified cinematic experience for audiences nationwide.
