Actor Akshay Oberoi had a busy 2020, doing both web and films before COVID -19 put a brake on everything.

However, his earlier short film titled Smartphone also starring Hina Khan and Kunal Roy Kapoor has just dropped on Ullu. We spoke to Akshay about the same.

Here are excerpts:

Your take on Smartphone?

Hina is wonderful. Kunal is among those rare artists who understand acting. He has a head on his shoulder. Director Ankush Bhatt and I had been trying to work together for a while, luckily Smartphone happened.

Are you lucky to get layered characters?

I am hankering for meaty roles more than fame and money. I have done dark comedies (Kalakandi), horror and romantic stuff (Hum Tum And Them). My character again in Smartphone is not your run of the mill guy.

Whenever any such interesting shorts (The Virgin and Mama Boy) come my way, I grab it with open arms. Also, when a film does not run on your shoulder alone, it takes a lot of burden off your shoulders. You become much empowered to push the actor within.

Will the lack of on-ground promotion mar Smartphone’s chances?

While it is tough to put a number to this, it is safe to say a good film always find its audience. Several of my features did not rock the box office when they released but later on got a lot of love and acclaim.

Glad that you mentioned Gurgaon and Kalakandi, What went wrong?

Poor marketing and distribution. Gurgoan did not even get Friday night show. Once you open with low numbers, it is always an uphill hill task going ahead.

What’s next on the webspace?

First of the cuff would be glamorous Voot drama Illegal, something like this has not been tried before in India. The story revolves around rich and powerful people dealing with high profile cases. I also play a dark, menacing character in Sandeep Anand directed effort along with Swara Bhaskar. Last but not the least, would be drug themed series Magic.

Your take on Web Vs Films?

The extended format affords much more time and space to develop characters, unlike a two-hour movie. No wonder I have done several web series over the year including The Test Case and Bar Code etc.

Several films are nowadays directly premiering on OTT?

If big Hollywood flicks like Extraction can bypass cinema, it can’t be a bad thing. Certain subjects are tailor-made for the web, given its vast reach. Yet I still believe that cinema will never die.

You also have few films up your sleeve?

Yes, there is KTina opposite Disha Patani and a Hindi remake of hit South flick with Urvashi Rautela. Madam Chief Minister with Richa Chaddha will surely not release in July as previously planned due to COVID-19. Ditto with above other products as well.

Best of luck, Akshay!!