Mark actor Naveen Chandra: People still recognise me by my characters not as a hero | EXCLUSIVE

Naveen Chandra, by now a household name in Tamil, Telugu cinema, is all set to star in the upcoming Kannada-Tamil project Mark, starring Kichcha Sudeepa in the lead. The film is slated for a Christmas release, but before we get to know Naveen Chandra as Bhadra from Mark, the mention or two of his previous roles, like the abusive husband in Ammu, an alcoholic in Month of Madhu, a ruthless and violent cop in Jigarthanda Double X, and an honest police official in this year’s Eleven.

Mark actor Naveen Chandra Interview

“Ammu was one of the best decisions in my film career. In my childhood, I often spent time with women and I have witnessed such abuses. Those noises from neighbour’s household used to haunt me. So, Ammu was one such role that I am still proud. People now hate me, but with respect. Again, in Month of Madhu, I asked to do a love story. I found some value in storytelling in that film,” says Naveen Chandra.

Coming to Mark, Naveen Chandra says that it was an unexpected chance. Incidentally, the actor reveals that he had gotten a call from Mark producers, who had earlier produced this year’s Thalaivan Thalaivii, to play a role in the latter. “I was asked to play Nithya Menen’s brother. But I couldn’t accommodate dates. But with Mark, I was able to allocate my dates and unite with them,” he recalls.

I got Mark after director watched me in Jigarthanda Double X

In Mark, Naveen Chandra plays Bhadra, the antagonist of the film. The actor bagged the role after Mark director Vijay Kartikeyaa had seen him in Jigarthanda Double X and felt that he would be apt for the role. “He is the most aggressive and ruthless person, and he is a little weird. It took a lot from me. Full of rage, strong-headed, and very violent, Bhadra is my Kannada debut that I am very happy about,” he explains.

Naveen Chandra, who easily juggles between playing a hero, villain, and flawed characters, says that choosing to become part of good projects helps him to achieve it. “If I am at the core of the screenplay along with other artistes, and push it to make the story work, I am happy to take it up. Sometimes the characters are good, but the story isn’t. It is also vice versa and has happened to me,” he adds.

He gives an example of the time when he finished Ammu, was shooting for Jigarthanda Double X, and Inspector Rishi, when he got the opportunity to be part of Eleven. “All of them are cop films, but the intention of each role is very different. I also feel that certain sections of people would have seen each film, and would then visit the other films. So, I would like to cater to all of them. People still recognise me by my characters not as a hero,” the actor explains.

The actor says that he is a firm believer in getting his next film from his previous project. “That is how Mark happened. Even though I am an established actor, Vijay Karthikeya saw me in Jigarthanda and then called me for this,” Naveen says. Talking about Mark, the actor says that the film being a multi-starrer, leading to many characters. He believes that a story with more characters will have more storytelling opportunities. Stating that Bhadra is not any other antagonist, Naveen says that Mark is all about how his character meets the titular one. “There are four layers, and Bhadra is the most aggressive one. He has an emotional side, cries, feels and wants something good to happen for his family, which is why he faces Mark,” he points out.

Also read: Inspector Rishi season 2 on OTT: Naveen Chandra and Nandhini JS reunite once again for second instalment of horror thriller series

Inspector Rishi 2 will have a different premise:

Speaking about his OTT series Inspector Rishi, which has been renewed for the second season, Naveen Chandra says that the story is much crazy’ but not a continuation. “It is a different premise, and Nandhini JS has gone crazier. We had shot for about 40 days, and had more VFX this time.” He also says that there is no difference in acting for OTT projects and theatrical films. The actor continues that once he gets a full brief about the role, and the director presents with full information, then it is all the same.

Talking about his film Eleven, which had opened to a good reception post-OTT release, Naveen Chandra reveals how he got so much love from people that some even sent him ticket money and expressed regret over not watching it in theatres. “If the content is good, word of mouth will do its job,” he remarks.

Also read: Naveen Chandra: Happy for Eleven's OTT success but word of mouth came too late

Up next after Mark, Naveen Chandra has Inspector Rishi 2 in the making with Prime Video, a Malayalam film in the making, along with a bunch of different genres, including one in Tamil. “I think you will see me in all shades, black, white and grey,” he signs off.

Mark FAQs

Q. What is the next movie of Sudeep 2025?

A. Sudeep's next movie to release is Mark, an action thriller, which is directed by Vijay Karthikeyaa.

Q. What is Mark release date?

A. Mark is a Christmas release for actor Sudeep and will hit the big screens on December 25.

Q. What is Mark about?

A. Mark is an action thriller, revolving around the conflict between two men, Mark and Bhadra.