Back with a bang

Fahadh Faasil has been taking it easy in filmdom. He hopes to hit the ground running with Maheshinte Prathikaram, which releases in theatres today.

Fahadh Faasil and Anusree in a still from 'Maheshinte Prathikaram'

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ere’s an actor who has redefined the conventional concepts of the hero in Malayalam cinema. Right now, though, Fahadh Faasil is very much at ease in his role as the family man. However, on the career front, things have not really been as hunky dory, of late. But the actor believes that he’ll be back in business with the release of Maheshinte Prathikaram,

in which he plays the lead. The film, directed by debutant Dileesh Pothen, hits theatres today.

Fahadh had cut down on his acting assignments considerably and has generally been elusive from the scene but he insists that he has been busy all along with work and was also in the process of “settling down”, after his marriage to actress Nazriya Nazim. In between brewing a hot cuppa and gushing about Oreo, his pet dog, a Shih Tzu, Fahadh talks about his career, being a family man and more. Excerpts...

You had 12 releases in 2013, five in 2014 and three in 2015. Is this a deliberate move on your part to cut down the number of films?

(Smiles) Frankly, I don’t keep track of the numbers. But yes, it’s true. I had found some exciting projects earlier and I did them. Now, I am looking forward to things that I have not tried doing before. I feel that I have time to play around with subjects and themes. I may be cautious about the number of films I am committing to, but I am utilising that time to do something that I believe in.

The perception is that you have become choosier about your films.

Actually, I never plan things. I just go with my gut feeling. Of course, I might be proved wrong, but I am never in doubt about any project. Earlier, I used to get excited about certain projects and that is why I acted in so many films. Nowadays, I don’t get too enthused about all the scripts I get to hear. I don’t want to do a film just for the sake of it. I am looking for something exciting in every project. Right now, I have signed on for three films that are really big, though I can’t reveal any details about them at this point of time.

Monsoon Mangoes, your first release of the year, was a different film…

It was meant to be a fun ride, like a Tintin novel. The original concept was fabulous, with so many emotions and without a geography or specific place. I am happy that I tried doing something like that.

How aboutMaheshinte Prathikaram?

Maheshinte Prathikaram is absolutely fresh and different. It’s a serious comedy and its storyline has been inspired from some real-life incidents.

You are perceived as an intense actor. How comfortable are you while doing comedy?

Let me make something clear: I can’t do anything in particular to make others laugh. I do what is necessary for a character. The body language of the character may make others laugh. In my kind of films, you have to read between the lines. I can’t be loud just to make the viewers laugh. That is how I want to connect with the viewers.

Do successes, failures and expectations affect you?

I believe it’s a part of the game. I do take failure quite badly. After the failure of my first film, I stayed away for several years. On that note, I am never insecure, not even for a moment. I clearly know what good cinema is for me. My attempt has always been to make good films. I am in that process all the time.

But you seem to shy away from the limelight and you are rarely seen at big events and award shows?

I am an introvert. When I am with my friends, I am comfortable. I like to laugh and to make people laugh. I don’t like being in the middle of a crowd, though I would be fine after 10 minutes or so.

Also, I don’t do films for awards. I want my films to do the talking. I feel if people have to understand me better, I should do more good films. I just want them to know me through my films.

Talking about new projects, what excites you now as an actor?

It keeps changing. Earlier, deep, moving topics used to excite me. Nowadays I am looking for films that will bring a smile to people’s face.

How has marriage changed you as a person?

I have realised that marriage is beautiful. After I got married I learnt that I am a lot more grounded than I thought I was. I love the feeling of being wanted and wanting to be with some one. That has really changed my perspective. All of a sudden I decided to stop everything I was working on, I returned the advances and decided to start fresh.

Is Nazriya planning a comeback?

Definitely. She is committed to a project and is already in talks with friends. It’s just that we need some time to settle down.

Is there a project in the offing with your wife as a co-star?

(Laughs) There has been no such offer as of now but I am not saying we won’t do such a project in the future.

When all your peers are vying to do films outside the Malayalam film industry, why are you hesitant to do so?

I think in Malayalam and I am happy being here. I am not sure whether I will enjoy a space while working in a language that I don’t understand or speak.