It has been a decade since the release of the Malayalam film Aanandam, a movie that introduced audiences to a group of talented young actors. Among them was Vishak Nair, who played the lovable character Kuppi. Over the years, Nair has evolved from the chirpy college boy into one of the most compelling villains in the industry. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, he shared insights into his transformative journey over the past 10 years.
From College Boy to Villain
Vishak Nair admits that he was initially typecast as the 'boy next door' after the overnight fame from Aanandam. He credits the pandemic-induced break for helping him explore his potential. 'Even I had the frustration of getting stuck in a similar character arc. I think it was that mandatory break that has transformed me just the way cinema and audience have changed. After the overnight fame from Aanandam, I needed that dip to realize my own potential,' he shared.
Exploring New Avenues
During a period when he wasn't getting many acting opportunities, Nair took on the role of a casting director. He worked with Vineeth Sreenivasan on Hridayam, describing it as one of the best learning experiences. 'I wasn't getting much character then. But I didn't want to stay away from the cinema. So, I grabbed the chance soon after I was offered it. It was an interesting process. I get to see how Vineeth visualizes and approaches a movie. One day, I even wish to be a director, and this would be my first lesson,' he said.
The Breakthrough Role
Nair's career took a dramatic turn when he played Christy, the cruel villain in Kunchacko Boban's Officer On Duty. His physical transformation and menacing performance left audiences stunned. 'I always wanted to do something different, and I was ready. It was after the movie Footage that I got cast in Officer On Duty. Initially, my character was not even in the script. But then Christy happened, and it was a game-changer in my career,' he explained.
Bollywood Debut
Nair has also made his mark in Bollywood, playing Sanjay Gandhi in Kangana Ranaut's Emergency. He shared that his role in Tejas, though not a commercial success, caught Kangana's attention. 'When the production called me for Emergency, I thought it would be a small role. I was surprised when I was offered Sanjay Gandhi's role. I enjoyed the research I did for the character. Since there wasn't much footage or interviews of him, it was tough. I wanted to make sure my acting should never be a mimicry since many still admire him. I had to approach the character with zero moral judgment and do my best,' he added.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on his decade-long journey, Nair feels he is just getting started. 'I have just completed level one. As a person and an actor, I have matured a lot. Now, I am on the right track. I don't want to be boxed into any category; I want to surprise my viewers. Even if I do a boy-next-door role again, I will make sure to make it different in some way. I also learned to take things with a pinch of salt, whether it's success or failure. Now I know my strengths and potential. Now I am really ready for the cinema,' he concluded.
