In the vibrant tapestry of South Indian cinema, Naveen Chandra has carved a unique path, defined not by the pursuit of stardom but by the power of compelling characters. As he prepares for the Christmas release of the Kannada–Tamil bilingual 'Mark', starring alongside Kichcha Sudeepa, the actor opens up about his journey, his deliberate choices, and the artistic satisfaction of being remembered for his roles rather than a stereotypical "hero" image.
The Transformative Power of Pivotal Roles
Naveen Chandra credits specific projects with reshaping his career trajectory and public perception. He holds the film 'Ammu' in particularly high regard, calling it one of the most important decisions of his professional life. The role, which depicted domestic abuse, resonated deeply with him due to personal childhood experiences. "Those noises from neighbours’ households used to haunt me," he shared, explaining his connection to the character. He takes pride in the fact that the performance evoked a strong reaction, noting, "People now hate me, but with respect."
Another significant turn was in 'Month of Madhu', which he pursued from a personal desire to explore love stories, finding immense value in its narrative. This focus on layered storytelling is evident in his recent filmography, from the violent cop in 'Jigarthanda Double X' to the honest officer in 'Eleven'. Each role, though sometimes superficially similar, is driven by a distinct intent and emotional core.
Embracing the Ruthless: The Journey to 'Mark'
His upcoming project, 'Mark', came to him through an interesting turn of events. Initially approached for a different film, 'Thalaivan Thalaivii', date conflicts led to that project being stalled. 'Mark' eventually aligned with his schedule. Director Vijay Kartikeyaa cast him after being impressed by his performance in 'Jigarthanda Double X'.
In 'Mark', Naveen makes his Kannada debut with the character Bhadra, whom he describes as "the most aggressive and ruthless person, and he is a little weird." He emphasizes that the role demanded a lot from him, calling Bhadra "full of rage, strong-headed, and very violent." However, he is quick to clarify that Bhadra is not a simplistic villain. The character is layered with complex emotions, vulnerabilities, and motivations deeply rooted in family, offering Naveen a rich canvas to perform on.
Beyond Labels: Characters Over Hero Image
When discussing his balance of hero roles, antagonists, and deeply flawed protagonists, Naveen Chandra's philosophy is clear: the story is paramount. "If I am at the core of the screenplay along with other artistes and push it to make the story work, I am happy to take it up," he stated. This approach has allowed him to avoid being typecast.
Reflecting on playing multiple police officers across projects like 'Ammu', 'Jigarthanda DoubleX', 'Inspector Rishi', and 'Eleven', he points out that their essence was always different. This dedication to character has paid off. "People still recognise me by my characters, not as a hero," he observes, adding that strong writing and positive word-of-mouth have been crucial in helping audiences discover his diverse work across various platforms.
What Lies Ahead: New Seasons and Audience Love
The actor confirmed that the popular series 'Inspector Rishi' will return for a second season, but with a fresh premise. "It is a different premise, and Nandhini JS has gone crazier," he revealed, indicating that the new season involved longer shooting schedules and more extensive VFX work.
He also shared a heartwarming anecdote about the response to his film 'Eleven'. Some viewers were so moved after watching it on an OTT platform that they sent him money for a movie ticket, expressing regret for not having seen it in theatres. For Naveen, this reinforces a simple belief: "If the content is good, word of mouth will do its job."
As 'Mark' heads for its festive release, Naveen Chandra continues to solidify his reputation as an actor who lets his characters do the talking. And judging by the audience's response, they are not just listening—they are deeply engaged.
