I am keen on being part of content-driven films: Naveen Shankar

Naveen Shankar tasted success in his debut film Gultoo. The actor, who now has as many as three projects in the pipeline, spoke to Bangalore Times about learning boxing for Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage and more...


What’s keeping you busy during the lockdown?
In the

first phase

of lockdown, I was busy with my work for a few days, near the place I stay near

Nagarbavi

, I distributed food to the needy by collaborating with NGO’s. When the second lockdown was nearing its ending stage, an association took over the job which we were doing, so after that I indulged in reading and watching films.

We hear that you’ve used the downtime to learn boxing...
For the movie Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage, I needed to play the role of a state level boxer, so to get into the skin of the character I decided to learn boxing. I took the help of

MMA

coach Naveen during the lockdown period and he helped me in picking up the nuances of boxing in two months.

It’s been two years since since Gultoo released. What kept you away from the silver screen for so long?
After Gultoo did well, the expectations were obviously higher, so I was keen to act in content driven films. I was supposed to act in Ebbaru which did not take off due to production reasons. After that I got the opportunity to work in Hondisi Bareyiri and Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage.

Tell us about your role in Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage...
The movie takes place between morning and evening. I play the role of a guy called Aadi who is a college student as well as a boxer. He is straightforward and arrogant, but very kind-hearted. His life influences other characters. It is an interesting subject which also has a crime element. I am paired opposite Aishani Shetty in the movie. Overall, it is an engaging crime drama.
You have also signed a new movie directed by Kuldeep Cariappa...
It is a performance-oriented movie. My journey starts from Benglauru, goes to his native and travels across Karnataka while trying to find himself, which everyone can easily relate to.

Hondisi Bareyiri has an an ensemble cast, which is a first in your career. Tell us about that...
The character has social values and gives a glimpse into the life of college, love and how a person reacts when he is in the middle stage of his life. There are as many as seven characters in the movie which gives different perspectives into life.