Lokah actor Sandy: My character Nachiappa Gowda will be back in upcoming sequels | EXCLUSIVE

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has taken the theatres in south by storm, given the latest Malayalam supernatural fantasy drama led by Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen has opened a new-age storytelling of age-old folklore of Kerala. Backed by Dulquer Salmaan, Lokah as it is called in short, is an amalgamation of Malayalam culture’s rooted mythological characters in the today’s times. Besides the plethora of interesting cameos, the teasing of world-building universe, and technical brilliance achieved on a humble budget, one of the talked about is the performance of choreographer-turned-actor Sandy. The Tamil native, plays the primary antagonist in Lokah’s first instalment and it has indeed grabbed the eyeballs of many.

Joining OTTplay in conversation from Canada, Sandy is yet to watch Lokah. “I have been getting calls and messages, and people of Kerala are looking out for who I am, but I am yet to watch Lokah because I am held up with work. But I have been hearing very good responses from Kerala and I am just grateful.”

Lokah marks Sandy’s debut in Malayalam, in which he plays the primary antagonist role, cop Nachiappa Gowda. But it was not the first Malayalam film he signed up. “The first Malayalam film I committed to is Kathanar, which is yet to be released. But Lokah got released first,” he added. But he also says ever since he heard the story of Lokah, he knew it would become a blockbuster from a technician’s point of view.

Lokah actor Sandy: I got called for Nachiappa Gowda after Dominic Arun saw me in Leo

Sandy started out as a choreographer, and as stage dancer even before that. After doing stage and reality shows, he went on to become a choreographer and started doing in films. “I always had acting in back of my mind, and it was my wish to become an actor.” Speaking of how he got Lokah, Sandy first conveys his thanks to filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. “I got called for Lokah after they saw me in Leo. Director of Lokah Dominic Arun, had watched me in Leo and liked playing my villain character. And that’s how I got Lokah offer.”

Also read: Kalyani Priyadarshan: Dulquer Salmaan did so much more than just back Lokah

At first, Sandy got a gist of his character Nachiappa Gowda before going into the world-building. “Then, I got briefed about the other characters, and I knew that it will be built into a universe with multiple important characters coming in.” Working in Lokah, Sandy got his primary instructions from Dominic who gives him the idea of scene, and the actor bringing in his own input during performance. On his first Malayalam film, Sandy says that often filmmakers in Malayalam industry look out for more real and authentic, close to reality performances. “Not just Lokah, but even the characters they create, they handle with much care. They have detailed pre-planning, even before going on floors.”

Speaking about his limited yet impactful role in Tamil film Leo, in which he played a notorious and ruthless psychotic villain, Sandy says that screen time does not matter to him as long as his character manages to create an impact. “I want to present the character in the purest and best form. I seek the feedback of my directors, and their approval is very important,” he adds.

‘My character in Lokah as Tamilian helped me in dialogue delivery’

Sandy’s Nachiappa Gowda in Lokah, is a Tamil-speaking Kannadiga police officer who works in Bangalore. Serving as the primary antagonist of the film, and a shady cop who soon turns into a vampire, the actor agrees that it was indeed easy when his character was designed to be a Tamilian. “I was able to grasp the depth of the role, and the dialogue delivery was much easier. The scene where I talk with my mother and others, the dialogues are in Tamil which helped me to notice my mistakes if I make any. When it is other language, we need someone else to point out our mistakes.” It is already out that Lokah universe will consist of five parts, with the stories set and writing in process. Sandy adds to it that his character will definitely make a comeback. “There is no death for a vampire, and hence my body is kept inside a box. So, there is 100% possibility that my character will come back in the coming Lokah films.”

Also read: Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra Review: Kalyani Priyadarshan-Naslen's film cleverly revives Malayalam's iconic fable

While Lokah has been running successful on the acting side, it was also a happening August for Sandy who choreographed the viral hit Monica and Chikitu song from Coolie. As a choreographer, speaking about his working, he says, “When I hear the music, you automatically get into the groove and the music will give you some steps. That is how I work. Besides, you also ask what is the situation and the artistes are also important.”

Sandy says it has also become a pressure to choreograph hook step in this day and age when social media approval and reels dominate the attention of people, becoming a parameter of what is a successful song. “Everyone has to be able to recreate the song, and unlike the earlier days when we could choreograph even fast moments without the intention of recreation. Sometimes, we may have had steps which could not fill into these criteria.”

Up next, as an actor, Sandy will be doing a completely different role in Tamil film which will be produced by Pa Ranjith. “It is something which is lifestyle oriented, and every down to earth with no flair. It is about a person from a poor family. You cannot see even a shade of villain in the characters, and I am going to complete the shoot in a few days.”

Sandy says that it is nice to do roles are quite contrasting as he looking forward to get into the shoes of Nachiappa Gowda once again. “I am not sure which chapter he would come, but he will come. Many superheroes can come in and go out of the world.” On the choreographer front, Sandy is working in Sardar 2, Vaa Vaathiyaar, and more to come.

FAQs

Q. Who is the director of the Lokah movie?

A. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is helmed by Dominic Arun.

Q. What is the Lokah movie about?

A. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is about a mysterious woman who has supernatural abilties.

Q. Who are the actors in Lokah Chapter 1?

A. Lokah Chapter 1 stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Sandy, with Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan in cameos.