A happening year for Ravi Varma

The year 2016 was quite eventful for actor Ravi Varma with interesting roles in acclaimed films like Kshanam, Terror, Appatlo Okkadundevadu and Jayammu Nishchayammu Ra. This year’s release Ghazi has also been received quite well. The actor says that despite having less screen-time in some of these films, he’s still glad he was a part of them. “I am lucky in many ways. Being a part of trend-changers is something every actor dreams of and I am happy to be able to do that. Ghazi, for instance, is a film that will remain in the history of Indian cinema as the first ever feature on the navy, and I am proud to be associated with it,” he explains, adding, “The rest of the films too were all widely talked about and received critical appreciation. I am chuffed.”

So, what’s next from the actor? “I feel 2017 will be a great year with a series of interesting films lined up for me — director Rahul Sankrityayan’s next starring Vijay Devarakonda, Raaju Gaari Gadhi 2, Nara Rohit’s film with Pavan Mallela, Garuda Vega and Napoleon. Each of the roles is different from the other. It’s a blessing when you have such a variety on offer,” says Ravi, who’s set to debut in Tamil with the remake of Kshanam where he reprises his role from the original. Talking about the film, he shares, “I wasn’t keen to play the same role but when they said that no one could do a better job than me, it was a compliment and I said okay!”

Interestingly, Ravi has played a police officer in most of his films. Hasn’t it become an overkill? “Well, I’ve tried to be as versatile and distinct as possible in my choice of roles. So, even if I play a cop for the twentieth time, it will not be similar to what I have done earlier,” he states, with an air of confidence.