Vijay Kumar: It’s not easy to address reality with entertainment

The team of Nidradevi Next Door unveiled their latest track, Sleepless Anthem, and the response has been positive. Leading the applause was actor Vijay Kumar, who not only graced the launch event but also shared his admiration for the song and its cast—especially debutant hero Praveer Shetty.

“Catchy and vibrant,” was how Vijay described the track, which blends humour, emotion, and social reflection through energetic rap and striking visuals. “What truly impressed me is Praveer’s dance energy,” Vijay said, visibly moved by the young actor’s performance. “I’ve seen many newcomers, but the effort he has put into each step shows his dedication. Watching him reminded me of my own early days—that raw enthusiasm and hunger to prove oneself.”

Vijay also praised the lyrical depth of the song. “Beyond the visuals, I listened closely to the lyrics. They’re not just fun—they cleverly touch upon issues in our industry in a humorous and reflective way. It’s not easy to address reality with entertainment, but the team has pulled it off. The writing is sharp and layered. It’s clear the entire team has worked with heart.”

The song, composed by Nakul Abhyankar, portrays the struggles of a sleepless individual. Lyrics by Gubbi and Saif Khan combine wit with real-life reflections.

For lead actor Praveer Shetty, the release marked an emotional milestone. “I’ve waited a long time for this day,” he said. “So many people worked hard behind the scenes—our director, his wife, composer Nakul Abhyankar, singer Gubbi. Special thanks to choreographer Tharak Master for his excellent work.”

Director Surag shared a moment that summed up Praveer’s dedication. "Praveer Shetty danced for 16 hours straight—even with leg cramps—just using baking soda to push through. That kind of dedication is rare.”
The film pairs Praveer with Rishika Nayak and features Shine Shetty, Sruthi Hariharan, KS Sridhar, Sudharani, and others. Produced by Jayaram Devasamudra under the Suram Movies banner, Nidradevi Next Door boasts cinematography by Ajay Kulkarni and production design handled by Ullas Hydoor.