One of the most talked-about additions to Drishyam 3 isn’t a major plot twist, but a character name that has caught the attention of audiences. Avira, the husband of Anju George in the latest instalment of the blockbuster franchise, has sparked curiosity among viewers, with many discussing the unusual name on social media.
The role is played by Chennai-based Malayali actor Nikhil Nair, who revealed that he too was intrigued by the name when he first came across it.
Speaking about the character, Nikhil said he asked director Jeethu Joseph about the name and was told it could be viewed as a modern variation of Abraham. He added that he has noticed numerous online discussions and reels centred around the character’s name since the film’s release.
As entertainment fans continue to dissect every detail of Drishyam 3, Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Radio Station, brings you the story behind one of the film’s newest faces.
While many viewers are discovering Nikhil through Drishyam 3, few may know that he shares a personal connection with the franchise’s biggest star. Nikhil is the nephew of veteran actor Mohanlal. However, he insists his casting came through the regular audition process after being informed about the opportunity by one of the film’s assistant directors, who happens to be a friend.
Despite joining one of Malayalam cinema’s most successful franchises, Nikhil says he never felt overwhelmed by expectations. A long-time fan of the Drishyam series, he approached the role without focusing on the pressure or outcome.
The actor also praised the atmosphere on set, describing the experience as both welcoming and educational. He spoke highly of Mohanlal, Antony Perumbavoor, actor Shajohn and director Jeethu Joseph, calling them supportive and easy to work with.
Although he shared screen space with his superstar uncle, Nikhil said they had limited opportunities to discuss the film because of the nature of his role. He added that Mohanlal’s personality on set is very similar to how he is at home.
One memorable experience for the young actor was watching Mohanlal perform an emotional scene with Ansiba Hassan. Observing the performance from behind the monitor, Nikhil said it was an invaluable learning experience and offered insight into the legendary actor’s craft and approach.
Before entering Malayalam cinema, Nikhil had already appeared in several Tamil productions, including Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi. Comparing the two industries, he noted that Malayalam films generally take longer to shoot, while adding that he actively seeks diverse roles and avoids repeating similar characters.
Having grown up in Chennai, Nikhil is more fluent in Tamil than Malayalam. While he understands Malayalam well, he admitted that dubbing remains one of his biggest challenges. He has previously appeared in a small role in Hridayam and has worked on a couple of other Malayalam projects, including a festival film.
Nikhil’s path to acting began after completing his studies in architecture. Though he pursued academics first, he says acting was always his ultimate goal and he eventually transitioned into films.
Following the visibility he has gained through Drishyam 3, Nikhil is already focused on his next project. He is currently shooting for director Babu Janardhanan’s Gandhi Bazar Sunday Market, which also marks the acting debut of Babil Khan, son of the late Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan.
