Sathish Ninasam has charmed audiences with his boy-next-door warmth. He has captivated them with intense performances. Now, the actor is returning to the screen. He calls this his most defining role ever.
A Film That Demanded Everything
For Sathish, The Rise of Ashoka is much more than just another movie. He describes it as a tribute. It is a tribute to resilience, to the people he lost, and to the team that stood firmly beside him. This project marks the fourth film under his own production banner. He is deeply invested in it, both as an actor and as a producer.
"This is not just the biggest film of my career," Sathish shares. "It is also one that has taken every bit of my emotional strength." The journey to complete this film was far from easy, he admits.
Overcoming Tragedy on Set
Tragedy struck during the film's shoot. The director, Vinod Dondale, passed away unexpectedly. Sathish faced a difficult choice. As an actor, he could have chosen to move on to another project. But that was not an option for him.
"Hundreds of people had poured their hearts into this film," Sathish says with quiet determination. "My co-producers had invested everything. I couldn't let their efforts fade away. This film belonged to all of us. We had to see it through."
A Second Devastating Blow
The road became even harder just one month later. Sathish suffered another devastating personal loss. He lost his brother. The actor describes being completely broken for six months. Two of the closest people in his life were suddenly gone.
"But the pain didn't stop me," he explains. "It pushed me. I realised I had to rise. I had to rise not just for myself, but for everyone who believed in this film."
Dreaming of a Pan-India Release
Now, the film is moving forward with ambitious plans. The team is planning a release in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. Sathish hopes the story will connect with audiences across the country.
"Ashoka's story has something universal about it," he says. "If people embrace it in these three languages, we will take it further. We plan to release it in Malayalam and Hindi. My dream is for this to become a true pan-India film."
Sathish Ninasam's journey with The Rise of Ashoka is a story of personal and professional resilience. It is a testament to his commitment to his craft and his team.
