Do you enjoy the physical effort behind getting into the skin of a character?
Definitely. In RDX, we shot with Phantom cameras, which means even one second of action gets stretched dramatically. You need complete control over your movements. In those slow-motion seconds, even slight hand movements matter. That’s what I was learning during RDX. For Balti, we trained for weeks. I did kabaddi, flips, and air jumps. All of these are just to be agile enough for the film’s action moments. It’s tough, but fun. When you see the result on screen, it feels worth it.

What kind of films do you like to watch?
That, too, has changed over time. Earlier, I used to watch Iranian films, experimental stuff. During lockdown, I watched more world cinema. But I now love films like ‘Velaiyilla Pattadhari’, ‘Thiruchitrambalam’… feel-good films. That’s my comfort genre. Also, I don’t watch a lot of violence or intimacy on screen. It wears me out.

You said once that you’ll only do films that you can watch with your family… Doesn’t that limit you as an actor?
Maybe that limits me, but I’m okay with that. I want to do films that I can watch with my family. That’s what I opt for. As a romantic actor, I think I can bring good chemistry, but there’s a line. Sure, if a situation genuinely demands an intimate scene, then I might consider it, but even then, it should never cross into vulgarity. I believe you don’t need a lip-lock to show intimacy. Sometimes a couple of dialogues can mean so much more.

‘Ishq’ had you playing a grey-shaded character. Were you comfortable taking on such a role so early in your career?
Yes. In fact, the film’s tail-end was suggested by a close friend when I expressed concerns about how my character, who questions the heroine’s chastity, is easily forgiven. That’s not how it should be, right?