You once said, "I won my flops more than my hits." Can you explain that?
Naresh: "Failures have taught me invaluable lessons. When a film doesn't perform well, it forces me to reflect on my work, identify areas of improvement, and evolve as an actor. In many ways, I believe those failures made me stronger, more patient, and more self-aware. That’s why I say I’ve won more through them than my successes."
How do you handle the emotional toll of a film not performing well at the box office?
Naresh: "It definitely stings. We invest so much heart and effort into every project. But with time, I've learned to approach setbacks as learning opportunities. Rather than blaming external factors like scripts or circumstances, I focus on asking myself what lessons I can take away from it. That shift in perspective has completely changed how I deal with disappointments."
What drew you to 12A Railway Colony and its thriller genre?
Naresh: "After several intense roles, I needed a break. But thrillers excite me, and 12A Railway Colony had a fresh narrative that also offered deep emotional layers. I felt it was the right time to return to this genre. The emotional depth of the story made it even more appealing."
How does your character in 12A Railway Colony differ from your previous roles?
Naresh: "This character is emotionally complex. He goes through fear, doubt, introspection, and ultimately redemption. It’s far from a light-hearted or comedic role. This one required more subtlety and internal depth, which really pushed me as an actor."
What was your experience working with the team on 12A Railway Colony?
Naresh: "It was a beautiful and intense experience. The director had a very clear vision, and the crew was incredibly passionate. Everyone treated the film like their own, and that collaborative energy helped me give my best performance."
Comedy has been a big part of your career. Will we see you back in that zone soon?
Naresh: "Absolutely! Comedy is my natural space. I’m currently reading some scripts, and if the right project comes along, I’ll definitely dive back into it. But for now, I want the audience to see this different side of me."
Do you feel that audiences judge actors too quickly based on their flops?
Naresh: "Sometimes, yes. But I also believe the audience is honest. They lift up what they love and reject what doesn’t resonate with them. Their reactions keep us grounded, and instead of feeling disheartened, I use it as a chance to understand their expectations and improve."
What do you hope the audience takes away from 12A Railway Colony?
Naresh: "I want them to experience emotion, suspense, and enjoy a solid cinematic journey. We made this film with sincerity, and I hope the audience connects with the story and the characters. It’s all about delivering an experience they will remember."
