After a brief period away from the spotlight, actor Nirup Bhandari is set to make a strong return with a variety of projects across different genres this year. He is actively working to shed his boy-next-door image and is venturing into new territories with his roles and appearance. In his upcoming film Atikaya, Bhandari takes on the role of a rowdy character, a significant shift from his previous roles.
Bhandari emphasizes that he is not interested in taking on numerous films just for the sake of it. “I loathe the rat race; I aspire to be the best version of myself with every release. I aim to explore various genres to enhance my versatility. As an actor, it’s important to avoid repetition and always seek roles that challenge you,” he explains.
The title Atikaya holds personal significance for Bhandari. He reveals that the name, which refers to Ravana’s son, was a nickname his uncle used for him when he was a child due to his chubbiness. “The term ‘atikaya’ does not yield detailed search results, but there is a well-known term, Atikaaya Kalaga, in Yakshagana. During the brainstorming for the title, my cousin reminded me of this connection, and it felt like a perfect fit,” he says.
Bhandari is also eager to broaden his reach by participating in commercial cinema. He sees Atikaya as an opportunity to explore this aspect of his craft. Director Nagaraj Peenya conducted prison visits and engaged with inmates as part of his research for the film. Bhandari recounts that when he asked why he was chosen for the role, Peenya said, “If others did it, it would be another regular film, but with you, it will be different as it will give the audience a new perspective.” This explanation convinced Bhandari to take on the role, which will feature a different body language and an unpolished accent, presenting a new challenge he is eager to tackle.
