He is a skilled actor in the Malayalam film industry who has experienced various highs and lows throughout his 15-year career. Currently, Asif Ali has established himself through his distinctive choice of scripts and his eagerness to explore new dimensions of his artistry. With two consecutive successes—Rekhachithram (available on Sony LIV) and Kishkindha Kaandam—the Thalavan star has re-emerged as a leading actor capable of delivering both box office hits and critical recognition. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Asif Ali reflects on his journey thus far and shares insights into his motivations.

How does it feel to have two back-to-back hits?

It finally happened, and I was eagerly awaiting this moment! (laughs)

You faced a challenging period in 2022 and 2023 when your films did not perform well, yet you persevered with your work. This dedication has now yielded results in 2024 and 2025. How do you approach your script selection?

In the early stages of my career, I struggled with choosing the right scripts. My enthusiasm for the projects I was offered led me to take on numerous roles that I ultimately could not execute effectively. However, as I enter my 16th year in the industry in 2025, having completed around 82 films, I have noticed a significant change in the past three years. Collaborating with exceptional directors and talented actors has greatly influenced my script choices. Additionally, my personal life has evolved due to the inspiring individuals surrounding me. Consequently, my approach to selecting scripts and the types of films I pursue have improved, all thanks to the people in my life.

Throughout your career, you have participated in both lead roles and ensemble casts. What influences your decision-making in this regard?

My primary focus is on the characters I portray; my enthusiasm for a project stems from the role itself. I do not select films based on a hero-centric perspective but rather from the viewpoint of the character. When engaging in a multi-starrer, I ensure that my character holds significance, has substantial screen time, and resonates with me personally. For example, in 2019, I took on the role of Govind in "Uyare," alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu. Many of my so-called supporters discouraged me from accepting this role, as it depicted a negative character. At that time, I was comfortably involved in feel-good films and had cultivated a boy-next-door image. People questioned my desire to portray a negative character in a female-led narrative. However, I was drawn to this project because the script by Bobby-Sanjay was exceptional. I had witnessed friends in similar toxic relationships, making the role particularly relatable to me.

Your father is in politics, but you chose to become an actor and not follow in his footsteps.

Your father is involved in politics, yet you opted to pursue a career in acting rather than follow his path. This decision is largely influenced by my father, who is an avid movie enthusiast and a devoted fan of Mohanlal. As a family, we would watch every new release together, which instilled in me a passion for films from a young age. I have always admired Mohanlal, and I also enjoyed watching Kamal Haasan's films. In fact, my aspiration to become an actor was primarily inspired by Kamal Haasan. His ability to select diverse characters and imbue them with unique identities captivated me. I yearned to embody various personas, much like he does. Each film showcases a different side of Kamal Haasan, which thrilled me and fueled my desire to pursue this craft. I wanted to explore different personalities and lifestyles, and I certainly aspired to attain a superstar status along with a dedicated fanbase. However, after working on my first film, Ritu, under the direction of Shyamaprasad, my perspective shifted significantly. He introduced me to a new understanding of cinema and a different source of fulfillment in filmmaking.

You said you wanted to be a superstar. Have you achieved that now?

At this point, I no longer concern myself with the notion of stardom. My primary focus is on the fulfillment I derive from portraying roles and the recognition I receive for my performances. I have moved beyond the pursuit of stardom.

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