Exclusive! Dheeraj Denny: I came to the industry because I love acting and that reflects in my choice of roles

While the pandemic has increased the number of opportunities for up-and-coming actors, the lockdowns have also impeded the momentum of newcomers who were finding their feet in the industry, forcing them to start all over again. Young Mollywood actor Dheeraj Denny, who was seen in movies such as Kalki, Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam and Edakkad Battalion 06, is one among them, but the actor brushes it off as collateral damage during the pandemic.

Dheeraj is gearing up for the release of Karnan Napolean Bhagat Singh, which he had wrapped up filming two years ago. He has a lot of hopes pinned on the Sarath G Mohan directorial, which has him playing the role of a police officer. In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, Dheeraj talks about the movie, what inspired him most about his relatives Nivin Pauly and Tovino Thomas, and more.

Karnan Napolean Bhagat Singh is your second release during the pandemic after Michael’s Coffee House last month. What can you tell us about the movie?

It’s got several elements that appealed to me; it has suspense and also revolves around a family and village. I play Roopesh, who has passed his sub inspector recruitment test. The first half has him spending time with his friends in his village, where a crime happens. The latter portion has him deputed in his hometown because of that. So, the mood changes to that of an investigative thriller as opposed to the fun first half.

The movie has a lot of established actors, who have handled humour through the years. The actress and myself would probably be the relative newcomers in the film, which also has Eldho Mathew from Queen, Aneesh Gopal of Theevandi fame and Althaf, who had helmed Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela.

Three years ago, being part of films such as Kalki and Edakkad Battalion 06 had built momentum in your career. Do you feel the pandemic break has impacted that run?

Yes, of course. It’s the same with every industry. In our case, theatres were shut and films weren’t being shot. It almost felt like being kicked when you were just learning to stand on your feet. But I am not complaining because everyone had to go through that during the pandemic. We have to move on.

During the pandemic, a lot of actors have been trying to update themselves, be it through learning the craft better or staying in the spotlight by being part of YouTube series or videos. Was there any such effort from your side?

Frankly, if I knew that the lockdown would stretch for two years, I would have done something worthwhile. But it initially started as two weeks and then kept on increasing, and because of that uncertainty, I couldn’t plan anything long term. But I did learn to play guitar. I also watched a lot of movies, irrespective of the language. We have a WhatsApp group where we discuss movies and also urge each other to watch the best films in world cinema. I also started reading books. But in terms of being in the spotlight, I didn’t really do anything. In fact, my Instagram itself was largely dormant during this time.

You are from Aluva, which has been a hotbed for aspiring actors and filmmakers with the likes of Nivin Pauly and Alphonse Puthren also being from the place. Do you feel that being from a place like that made you believe that cinema was a more attainable dream?

I have also thought about that, if I would pursue cinema as a career had I been born in a remote place? What I have come to believe is that I might now have made it in films, but I would have done something related to acting nonetheless such as teaching actors. This is what would have happened if I would have found my passion. I came to the cinema because I loved acting; I didn’t chase acting because I wanted to be part of cinema. There’s a huge difference between both and I believe that reflects in my choices in my films. I am never adamant that I want to play the lead; I will take up any role if the character is good.

You are related to both Nivin Pauly and Tovino Thomas, both of whom had struggled as newcomers. Did that also inspire you because you know if you put in the work, you can become a star?

In Nivin chettan’s case, a lot of people say that he is lucky. But I know the struggles that he has gone through. With Tovino, the audience is also aware of what he had to endure to make it big. Both of them have had challenges. People ask me what their advice to me has been, but more than the tips they shared with me, what inspires me about them is how they are living right now. They had no cinema background and their actions speak louder than words.

I also know that I might have to struggle more than they have or I might not have to; but I know that this is my path. Nivin chettan forged his space in the industry without anyone and Tovino, even when there was Nivin, didn’t rely on him to make it big. I have grown seeing all this and I will also do my best.

People say it’s a good time for newcomers now because the advent of OTTs means more opportunities. Has that reflected in terms of the projects you are being offered?

I don’t know the situation of other actors – how many scripts they are reading and choosing. My benchmark is what Nivin chettan and Tovino had faced, and compared to that, I feel I am doing fine. I am getting a decent number of scripts and I am at a position where I have to say ‘no’ more than committing films. Also, my profile is such that only if the movie that I had starred as a hero two years ago released, I could look for similar projects. I had acted in it, but the film hasn't been released; so, I can’t be choosy.

I think with OTTs, the window of opportunity has definitely increased. If in the past you needed a minimum of Rs 3 crore to do a movie, it has now come down to Rs 1 crore. You can now shoot with mobile cameras and so the budget has become more flexible and similarly opportunities for actors like us have risen. I am enjoying that phase.

What are your upcoming films?

I have signed a Tamil film that has Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in the lead. I play a negative character in it. It’s a female-oriented movie and we are set to begin the shoot next month. I have grown out my hair and beard for the character.

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