Nithiin: Despite being a commercial film, Macherla Niyojakavargam has a unique plot

Nithiin, who has dabbled with romantic comedies and relationship dramas for a major part of his career, will be seen in an out-and-out action avatar in this week's upcoming release Macherla Niyojakavargam (August 12). The film, that also stars Krithi Shetty, Catherine Tresa and Samuthirakani, is directed by former editor MS Rajashekhar Reddy. Ahead of the film's release, the Jayam actor caught up with the media and spoke of his experiences shooting for it.

"Having been in the industry for over 20 years, I was a little tired of doing love stories time and again. I felt I should try something different and progress as an actor. Macherla Niyojakavargam is a full length entertainer and I play a powerful role. The film is made for the masses. Despite being a commercial fare, the plot is very unique. We may have seen many political dramas but Macherla.. has a novel plot within the mainstream formula," he shares.

It was the story and the characterisation that convinced Nithiin to take up the film. "I've never done the role of an IAS officer, it's a character with a lot of freshness and has shaped up well. The film is a mishmash of entertainment, music, dances and fights. The fans will have a ball at the theatres and regular audiences will take a liking to it too. I am eager to watch it along with the crowds on the first day." 

He interacted with the director extensively during Lie and applauded him for his edits. "I liked his inputs when we were talking about the film. I told him that he could've well become a director too. He thought about it later and wrote this story during COVID-19. I gave my nod in the very first narration. Being an editor, he has immensely clarity over shot division, scene openings and length. He has made exactly what he has narrated and is precise with his storytelling," the actor states.

He was impressed by how the director handled an ensemble cast on set like a veteran. "He changed gears to turn a director. If things don't work well, he might have to return to editing. I am hoping the film becomes a success more for him." Nithiin tells us that Rajashekhar did a lot of homework for the film while interacting with IAS officers, noticing their body language and mannerisms. Yet, he maintains that the story is fictional.

The first half of Macherla.. is loaded with humour, with a comedy track featuring Vennela Kishore, Rajendra Prasad and Murali Sharma. The second hour will reportedly take a massy turn but will have a touch of class in the treatment too, Nithiin says. He liked his co-star Krithi Shetty's questions during the shoot discussions and names her a smart actor. Catherine Tresa, despite limited screen time, is a crucial link to the story.

Nithiin enjoyed shooting for the action sequences the most - he says they are not only powerful but also stylish and are uniquely designed. "We pushed ourselves hard for the stunts and I was injured many times too." He shares a good rapport with the composer Mahathi Swara Sagar and lavishes praise on him for the background score, that even reminded him of the latter's father and music director Mani Sharma. It was Nithiin's idea to remix Ranu Ranu as part of the Ra Ra Reddy song.

The actor is next working on a film with Vakkantham Vamsi, in which he co-stars Sreeleela.