Nivin Pauly laughed that even a regional film can turn into a worldwide hit, waving off the usual pan‑Indian chatter that has become a trend in Bollywood. The Kerala‑born star said the emotional core of BKU resonated with audiences from Mumbai to Singapore, proving that a solid story can bridge language gaps.
But Pauly insists the key to that bridge isn’t mass‑marketing; it’s the script. "A film should connect organically with audiences across regions," he told NDTV, adding that he chooses projects based on story strength rather than a promise of pan‑Indian appeal. “If a script is written well, it will resonate with all audiences,” he added.
While he’s open to Telugu and Hindi roles if the story hooks him, the actor is currently focusing on Malayalam films. Yet, the next big splash on his resume comes from Tamil cinema. He’s teamed up with director Ram for Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, a layered drama scheduled for a 1 October release. Pauly described it as a “proper Ram film” that will bring a new set of characters to his screen.
Beyond the sets, Pauly keeps his family life strictly off‑camera. He says the biggest joy is spending time with his kids, especially during Onam and Christmas when the household turns into a mini‑festival. “I love being at home whenever there’s no shoot,” he says, and yes, the biriyani is still his favourite.
Looking ahead, Pauly remains pragmatic. He’s not pre‑planning a 60‑s or 70‑s career; instead, he’s focused on “good films” that entertain. In a world where scripts can be as fleeting as a headline, the actor’s steady focus on quality storytelling keeps him relevant—and keeps the audience coming back for more.