Actor Nikhil, amidst shooting for Swayambhu directed by Bharat Krishnamachari, braved scorching temperatures for a high-octane war episode. With 700 support cast, 150 horses, and 75 chariots, it’s one of his biggest action sequences.
“It’s a grand war episode and one of the biggest action sequences I have ever shot for,” Nikhil remarks. “Shooting in 45 degrees temperature and braving the heat is tough but we also have to give credit to the entire unit for the way they exhibited endurance.” Swayambhu is a period drama in which Nikhil plays a warrior. He received training in martial arts, handling ancient weapons, horse riding, and sword fighting in Vietnam.
“The same team flew down to Hyderabad and are monitoring the action sequences,” Nikhil explains. “I had to don bulky armour for intense battle sequences. Also, the layers of make-up take time — two hours to put up and another two hours to remove after the pack up, so it’s very gruelling. But I enjoyed every bit of it, and the transformation, because this is the purpose I am here to experience.”
