In a recent and fascinating interaction with the actor Pavail Gulati, it was revealed that his aspirations in the realm of cinema are taking a geographically and culturally rich turn. Having had the opportunity to work with noted Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews in the Hindi film Deva, Gulati has found himself on a “transformative journey.” This experience has sparked in him a newfound eagerness to venture into south Indian cinema, particularly Malayalam films, which he believes convey some of the most compelling narratives in the industry.
Deva, which features Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde alongside Gulati, is set to showcase the actor in the role of a daring cop caught in the whirlwinds of a high-stakes case. This foray into a Hindi project with Andrrews at the helm presented an opportunity for the actor to immerse himself in a fresh approach to cinematic artistry, differing from his own—yet instructive and transformative.
Prior to teaming up with Andrrews, Gulati was familiar with the director’s body of work, having watched several of his critically acclaimed Malayalam offerings such as Salute (2022) and Kayamkulam Kochunni (2018). These films not only amplified his respect for the director’s craft but also set the stage for what would become an enriching creative partnership.
Gulati speaks fondly of Andrrews’ distinctive sense of humour and the ease with which they could engage on a variety of topics during production. This intellectual synergy, coupled with Andrrews’ mentoring, bestowed upon Gulati fresh insights into the nuances of filmmaking, including narrative treatment and storytelling techniques.
This cross-pollination of ideas and practices has whetted Gulati’s appetite to further explore the diverse facets of Indian cinema beyond Bollywood. His experience with Andrrews has taught him the value of a different perspective, and now he’s looking southward with an intent to not just cross linguistic barriers but to embrace the challenge of mastering new dialects in his pursuit of complex roles and engaging subjects.
As Gulati contemplates this southern cinematic journey, he acknowledges the importance of language in immersive storytelling. While he has not yet acquired proficiency in Malayalam, he expresses a keen desire to learn and immerse himself in the regional culture to fully embody any future roles in Malayalam cinema. Emphasizing the beauty of the acting profession, he points out how tackling new challenges, such as language acquisition and understanding varying cinematic styles, makes his chosen career path thrilling and fulfilling.
The anticipation surrounding Gulati’s potential transition into Malayalam films is high. Given the south Indian film industry’s reputation for producing thematically rich and artistically innovative content, an actor of Gulati’s caliber could find a wealth of opportunities to expand his repertoire.
Moreover, Gulati’s journey signifies a broader trend of actors transcending the traditional confines of regional cinema industries within India. It underlines a growing recognition and appreciation for the storytelling potential that exists beyond their home turf—an enthusiasm that may pave the way for more artistically rewarding and interculturally rich collaborations in the future.
Fans and critics alike will await with baited breath for the official announcement of any project that will see Gulati bring his distinctive presence to Malayalam cinema, or perhaps any other south Indian film industry. Gulati’s move serves as a testament to the dynamism and evolving narrative of Indian cinema, wherein borders are increasingly porous and the exchange of talent and ideas provides a canvas for a new era of cinematic mastery.
With ‘Deva’ on the horizon and Gulati’s clear aspiration to delve into new artistic waters, the actor’s voyage toward southern shores may just mark the beginning of a captivating new chapter in his career—illustrating that for true artists, the quest for growth and exploration knows no bounds.
