The actor who won’t be pinned down: Tovino on his career
Famously remembered since his role in Maari 2 as Gangadhar Bheema; the “golden tooth guy” as fans lovingly call him, Tovino made his mark even while playing a negative shade. Since then, he’s remained one of the most loved Malayalam actors among the Telugu audience.
Hyderabad: Tovino Thomas is one of those rare Malayalam actors whom the Telugu audience admire deeply. Famously remembered since his role in Maari 2 as Gangadhar Bheema; the “golden tooth guy” as fans lovingly call him, Tovino made his mark even while playing a negative shade. Since then, he’s remained one of the most loved Malayalam actors among the Telugu audience. Having acted in more than 50 films over his 13-year journey, his work continues to find loyal fans here.
Films like Godha, Forensic, Minnal Murali, 2018, Identity, Thallumaala, Anweshippin Kandethum, and his recent ARM are much loved by the Telugu audience, even though many of these films were never released directly in Telugu. Who can forget his fierce Jathin Ramdas in Lucifer? A political leader many from the current generation still relate to. Every film he chooses leaves something for people to take home, that’s how deeply he slips into every character he plays.
Tovino has now given his audience another gem with Narivetta, which had a dream run at the box office, completing 50 days in theatres before landing on Sony LIV. Speaking to Telangana Today in this exclusive conversation, Tovino shares what drives him, how he balances success and failures, and his simple approach to the craft.
A Story That Needed To Be Told
On the success of Narivetta, he says, “You’re only as good as your last movie, that’s what I believe. Every film should work for the audience. Narivetta is not the typical commercial film with all the gimmicks. It’s inspired by true events, but it’s not a direct documentation. When I heard the script, I knew it was a story that should reach people. Back in 2003, there was no social media or live news channels. If the authorities did something wrong, people wouldn’t even know. Today’s generation may not even understand that world. So, through a film like this, at least they get a glimpse. It was a movie we did straight from the heart.”
Despite being realistic, Narivetta balanced both commercial reach and substance. “We didn’t want it to end up just as an arthouse movie that gets critical acclaim but never reaches people. We wanted people to talk about it. Seeing it run in theatres for 50 days and now on OTT makes me double happy.”
A Career Built On Choices, Not Formulas
When asked if he plans to keep picking stories rooted in Kerala’s social or political backdrop, Tovino says he never locks himself in. “Not every movie needs a political angle. But some stories must be told. I see films as entertainment first, but if you are giving a message, give the right one. In 2018, for example, more than politics, it’s the humanity that mattered to me. I don’t have any political or religious inclination, I want to keep my freedom to think right.”
He believes strongly that films shape us. “Where do we get our ethics and thinking from? Parents, school, books, music, films, people, conversations, they all shape us. So, movies play a part too.”
No Regrets, Just Lessons
Reflecting on how he picks scripts, Tovino admits there’s always a risk. “There’s no way to see a film made first and then act in it. You have to believe in the script and the director’s vision. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of the basic script and theme. Some films come out better than what I imagined, some don’t. But I never regret it because I chose it for a reason.”
So how does he handle failures? “I don’t let it get into my head. If it’s a hit, I’m happy. If it flops, I’ll be sad for a few days. Then I move on. You can’t cry forever, and you can’t laugh at the same joke 10 times. Learn and move forward.”
Always a Student, Always Exploring
He doesn’t see himself as a trained actor, “I’m still learning from everyone: my co-actors, directors, even my juniors.” For him, every film is challenging. “I don’t plan dream roles or dream genres. I listen to a script, sleep on it, and if it excites me the next day, I do it.”
His variety is what keeps the audience hooked. “I’ve played cops many times, but I try to make each one different. I’ve done hero roles, villain roles, comedic roles. If I keep playing the same thing, it’s boring for me and for people.”
One surprise was discovering his own potential to dance. “In Minnal Murali, I had to dance. I told them I can’t dance, but they were firm. I ended up dancing to four songs. I still think I acted as if I was dancing! But that’s how you grow, you don’t know what you can do until you try.”
His Love For Telugu Films & Actors
So who are his Telugu favourites? “I watch a lot of Telugu movies. Junior NTR, Nani, I love watching their performances. Nani tries something new every time, just like I do.”
And finally, to fans who missed Narivetta in theatres, he has a message: “Everyone has their own reasons. Maybe you were busy or it wasn’t screened near you. Now that it’s on OTT, I hope you watch it at home. It’s not just about entertainment; I hope it stays in your mind long after.”
What’s Next?
Up next, Tovino is shooting for Palli Chattambi, directed by Dijo Jose Antony of Jana Gana Mana and Queen fame. “We’re just 15 days into shooting. It’s shaping up well, I’m giving it my best. Let’s see where it goes.”
Tovino’s journey is proof that staying true to stories, trusting the craft, and learning along the way can make an actor more than just a star, it makes him unforgettable. Just like that “golden tooth guy” Telugu fans still can’t get enough of.
