For actor Nitin Thomas, the reception to debutant Unni Sivalingam’s Balti, the recently released action drama set against the backdrop of kabaddi, has been deeply affirming. “Those who’ve seen it are giving positive feedback. People I know and even those I don’t know are messaging me,” he says with quiet satisfaction. Headlined by Shane Nigam and featuring Tamil filmmaker Selvaraghavan as the antagonist, the Malayalam-Tamil bilingual has been noted for its authentic portrayal of kabaddi and its well-staged action set pieces.
Nitin’s entry into Balti was serendipitous. “I met Unni (Sivalingam) during kalari practice,” he recalls, adding, “When I heard he was making a film, I asked for a chance. Later, he called and said, ‘Our practice is happening in Palakkad. I have a character in mind. Come join us.’ That’s how it all began.” The role demanded intense physical preparation. Nitin and other actors trained for a month under Kerala state coach Ramesh Velayudhan, with daily sessions alongside professional players. “There was no strain since I practise kalari, but the sessions were intense. A kabaddi player later said my performance looked genuine, which meant a lot.”
Working with Shane, Nitin says, was a collaborative and enjoyable experience. “He’s very cool, fun to be around, and always thinking about how to improve a scene,” he says. Selvaraghavan, however, brought a different energy. “He’s quiet and prefers his own space, but once the camera starts rolling, he completely transforms. His performance style is truly unique.”
For more than a decade, Nitin has been part of Malayalam cinema’s undercurrent, appearing in smaller roles in films such as Mammootty's Christopher and Dulquer Salmaan's Salute. He still remembers his brief interaction with Mammootty on the set of Christopher. “I told him, ‘I’m struggling.’ He smiled and said, ‘Everyone is struggling.’ Only later did I realise what he meant. Even after all these years, he’s still chasing good roles and better stories. That pursuit is what makes him who he is.”
Although acting was not a childhood dream, the spark had always been there. “I was quiet and introverted during school,” he admits. “It began in college when my super senior cast me in his short film. That experience changed everything.” Still, he traces his love for performing to an earlier memory. “I once did a mimicry of Jayan wearing my father’s bell-bottoms,” he laughs. “That moment stayed with me.” His admiration for Mohanlal and Mammootty runs deep. “Lalettan will always be my biggest inspiration. Also, Mammookka’s voice modulation is incredible.”
Alongside acting, Nitin has directed four short films, not to explore filmmaking but to carve his own path as an actor. “I made them to create acting opportunities for myself,” he points out. “Rather than waiting to be recognised, I chose to showcase my own work. Acting is where my heart truly lies. My dream is to be known as a superstar, and I believe I can reach that level,” he says with a modest smile, aware that such confidence might sound unusual but rooted in self-belief rather than arrogance.
Looking ahead, Nitin is hopeful. “I’m in talks for projects in Malayalam and Tamil. I just want to move forward and take the right opportunities,” he says. “As an actor, I’ve learnt that no one will come looking for you, you have to keep pushing yourself.”
