Exclusive! I have good films in Kannada and Hindi, but am set to broaden my horizons: J Karthik

A popular name in the Kannada film and TV industry, J Karthik, transitioned successfully to Hindi TV as Ravan on Siyaa Ke Ram a few years ago. While his first Hindi film, Pushpa, I Hate Tears, did not give his career the fillip he hoped for, JK, as the actor is popularly known, bagged a pivotal role in Shabhaash Mithu, the upcoming biopic of Indian cricketer Mithali Raj, in which Taapsee is in the title role.

Although he is yet to join the set of this sports drama, JK says that his years as an avid cricketer, playing at club level and representing Kannada cinema at the Celebrity Cricket League made him the perfect fit for the role. “I am yet to join the set of Shabaash Mithu. The team has finished one schedule, I am told, and I am waiting to hear about my dates. In fact, I was supposed to join them in mid-September, but that got delayed,” he says, adding that he is contractually-bound to not reveal details about his role.

Thankfully, the dates didn’t go to waste completely, says JK, as he took up director Vishruth Naik’s Kannada film Kaada in the meantime. “We finished that film, in which I play the psycho serial killer, Kaada, in about 25 days. It’s a fast-paced thriller of only 90-minute runtime. It’s quite an interesting subject and I am looking forward to seeing it onscreen. What’s also exciting is that Vishruth is already working on the script of a sequel, which will delve more into Kaada’s background and why he is the way is,” explains JK.

The actor also recently signed up for a film called Chaari 36, in which his character has grey shades. “Pre-production is currently on for the period film, which will be set in the 50s and star me and a child artiste. There is a mystery element in the narrative, which makes it interesting. In all probability, we will go on floors by the end of November,” he says.

Up next, though, JK is gearing up for the theatrical release of his whodunnit film IRavan, in which he joins Adhvithi Shetty and Vivek. “This is a film that revolves around a series of murders. Although we had considered an OTT release for the film initially, the makers are now pushing to take it to theatres in November. The hope is that the big-ticket festive films will bring audiences back to movie halls. Also, the logic for most filmmakers is that the satellite and digital rights tend to fetch a better price if the movie has had a theatrical outing,” he reasons.

On a parting note, the actor adds that he has an exciting slate of projects lined up that will broaden his horizons in other language film industries. “I am doing some good work back home, but there are big offers from other industries, official announcements of which will happen in the days to come. Preparations are on and I believe that these projects will take my career trajectory into an upswing. Stay tuned,” he signs off.