"Audiences Gave 'Eleven' a Standing Ovation. It Has a Different Concept Unlike Any Thriller So Far, Twists are Mind-Blowing": Hero Naveen Chandra
Naveen Chandra stars in the bilingual investigative thriller 'Eleven'. Directed by Lokesh Ajls, who previously worked as an associate director for films like 'Kalakalappu 2', 'Vandha Rajavathaan Varuven', and 'Action' under Sundar C, 'Eleven' is produced by Ajmal Khan and Riya Hari under the AR Entertainment banner. This marks their third venture after the critically acclaimed successes of 'Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal' and 'Sembi'. The film is poised to offer a thrilling cinematic experience this summer. The promotional content released so far has generated significant buzz. Leading distributor of Ruchira Entertainments, N Sudhakar Reddy, has acquired the theatrical rights for the film, which is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 16th. On this occasion, hero Naveen Chandra shared details about the film at a press meet.
What's the reason behind naming the film 'Eleven'?
-It's a title derived from the story itself. You'll understand when you watch the film. I'm very confident about the movie. We've had screenings in Tamil, and the response has been unanimously super. Audiences who watched it gave a standing ovation. The twists, turns, and adrenaline-pumping moments we envisioned excited the viewers. I'm very happy with the audience's response. It's a good theatrical experience after many years.
How new will this thriller be?
-This film has a different emotional concept that hasn't been seen in any thriller so far. It will give the audience a very new experience. Everything in it has logic. It's difficult to decode the twists beforehand.
How will the screenplay be? What about director Lokesh?
-It's a film with strong writing. We spent almost six months on pre-production to make the film in both Telugu and Tamil. While watching 'Eleven', you'll get the feeling of watching a visually commercial film. The producers have spent generously. It's a director's and technical film. Lokesh has directed the film wonderfully. Everyone who has seen the movie is specifically mentioning the director and the writing. The first half of this film is engaging, and the second half is mind-blowing.
Did you shoot the film in both languages?
-Yes. We shot different shots in both languages. We didn't just translate the script either. We specifically had a writer pen the Telugu script, and we shot with that. The producers didn't compromise on expenses anywhere.
-I now consider doing Telugu and Tamil bilinguals an advantage. I dubbed in Tamil for this film myself. I know eight languages. I usually prefer to dub for all my films in every language myself.
What kind of practice do you do to get out of a character?
-In the beginning days, getting out of a character was a bit of a problem for me too. Even after shooting, I used to take the character home. However, I gradually stopped that after marriage. I stay in the character designed by the director only as long as I'm on set. After that, I switch off.
How will your character be in 'Mass Jathara'?
-I got a call from Sithara to play the villain opposite Ravi Teja Garu. Ravi Teja Garu himself referred me. Just like how you felt my character was unique in 'Aravinda Sametha', it will be just as unique in this film. My look will also be very different.
-I do all kinds of roles with the intention that at least ten more audience members should increase for each of my films.
What about the film you're doing with Karun Kumar?
-A film called 'Honey' is in progress. It's a very dark film. It will be very new.
-I'm also doing an action film called 'Kaali'. There's also a film happening in Tamil. And I'm doing a film with director Hari. It's a comedy film. Doing comedy for the first time is a very good experience.
