Naveen Shankar is re-evaluating his approach to scripts. The actor, who is now on board Shivarajkumar ’s next, directed by Karthik Adwaith , and plays the role of an antagonist, says, “Earlier, I focused solely on the content, the emotional core, and the structure. But I wasn’t mindful of the commercial element. I now realise that even a niche story is a business. Both a film and an actor need to reach people before we can push boundaries,” says Naveen.

‘SHIVARAJKUMAR CARRIES BOTH LEGACY AND LOVE IN HIS HEART’
Naveen’s also done potboilers like Hoysala and Salaar, but his film with Shivarajkumar is a step up in his career, feels the actor. “It’s a key role and one whose character design was compelling and reason enough to say yes. And I respect Shivarajkumar for the man he is and the way he treats his co-stars. He carries both legacy and love in his heart, and these are things I value so much,” he shares.

He admits there was a time when he leaned heavily on high-content narratives, believing they alone could sustain a career. “But if you want to play the long game, you have to consider marketability too. The same storyline can become an out-and-out commercial film if presented right. That’s something I understand better now,” he says.
‘FOR OUTSIDERS, CARVING OUT A SPACE IN THE FILM INDUSTRY IS A SLOW PROCESS’
Addressing the disparities within the industry, Naveen shares, “Star kids often get a head start, especially in the commercial space. Whereas people like us who have no link to the film industry have often had to be grateful for even getting a film and work within a budget of `80 lakhs. For the rest of us, it’s a space we have to carve out slowly. The only way is to prove yourself, not just as an actor but as someone who can capture the market,” he states.
‘STARDOM GIVES YOU THE PRIVILEGE TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE AND ENGAGE MORE VIEWERS’
The actor sees his journey in the industry as a strong one, especially with films like Gultoo, Hondisi Bareyiri, Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage, Hoysala, and Nodidavaru Yenantare. “These were soulful films, with one or two commercial films . But now, I’m looking for a blend — storytelling depth with commercial appeal. Seven years after my entry, it’s a transition, and I think it’s time. You need to be known to people; stardom gives you the privilege to push the envelope and engage more viewers,” he adds.

‘BIG BUDGETS ALONE AREN’T ENOUGH’
Navigating what he describes as a “creative crisis” in the industry, Naveen Shankar shares, “Many brilliant directors and actors might not survive this phase. But I truly believe that when we hit rock bottom, survival instincts kick in. People don’t ask about the story anymore; they talk about budgets. There are two things I’ve realised. Content alone is not enough. You need commercial hits to stay relevant. That’s the reality. And I’m ready to face it. At the same time, big budgets alone aren’t enough; it has to have substance too.