Talented actor Priyanshu Painyuli rose to fame with Bhavesh Joshi, Vikramaditya Motwane’s unusual vigilante origin story set in Mumbai. The actor won critical acclaim for his unique part in the film. He has also featured in Rock On 2 and was recently seen alongside Konkona Sensharma in Tanuja Chandra-directed short, A Monsoon Date.
The young actor is now all set to feature in Netflix’s original film Upstarts, based on the lives of three blokes who pursue their dream of becoming entrepreneurs. The film is produced by Airlift director, Raja Krishna Menon. Set in Bangalore, it’s a slice of life film of hope, faith and friendship. In conversation with IWMBuzz.com, the actor talks about his upcoming film and more…
How has your journey been so far?
It’s been a wonderful, fruitful and learning experience till date and I wish it keeps moving that way of course, with more and more work. I started with theatre and have performed in several productions with many renowned production houses in Mumbai. I was also lucky to be a part of ‘Taj Express’, a Bollywood Broadway kind of show where I got to act in many countries like France, Russia and China, etc. Great experience there as I got to perform in places like Kremlin Palace in Russia to a massive audience in a century-old amphitheater in Tunisia to opera theatres in Paris. Of course, I changed course a bit, to concentrate more on on-camera acting then, which is where web shows and my film journey started. And thankfully, I have been part of good work, which I cherish.
What were the challenges that you faced?
Challenges were of course about living in an expensive city like Mumbai and earning your bread and butter. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to keep going in this industry and to break through. Also, I was choosy and I still am, about the kind of roles I want to do; which makes you say no to too many opportunities. So, getting noticed for your work every time is also a challenge.
Tell us about your experience while working for the digital film Upstarts?
It was a great experience. We were a young bunch of actors, and including director Uday Singh, gave 200 percent. Plus, it was his first film as a director and he was charged up always. The best part is he knew his world and characters in depth. We are covering a very contemporary topic of the startup world, which hasn’t been explored so much before. And the best thing is we are on Netflix, which makes it accessible worldwide.
How different is it to work in a Bollywood film and a digital film?
The process of an actor, and in fact the whole film making process, remains the same. It’s the distribution part of it which changes. With a Bollywood theatrical release, we are hoping people come to the theatres. Once they are inside, they will mostly not leave your film in between and will watch till the end. In a digital release, the challenge is you hope they don’t change your film to something else or get distracted by a doorbell or phone call. But in the end, theatrical or digital, the film has to be good and loved by the audience.
What do you like about the digital platform?
The best part about the digital platform is accessibility and the choices right in your hand. People can choose what they want to watch, and whenever they want to. Also, today with a release on OTT like with our film ‘Upstarts’, we can show such stories and reach out to global audiences.
Do you think the web needs censorship?
No, the web doesn’t require censorship. Makers who sell web shows on the basis of nudity and vulgarity need creativity, that’s all.
Any last message for fans?
I just want to say that I am truly very thankful for all the love that keeps coming in. I am going to keep coming up with interesting and entertaining roles. In fact, there are some surprises lined up in my upcoming releases.