Nayan Sarika: ‘I Want to Explore Different Roles and Tell New Stories’

Nayan Sarika is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Vishnu Vinyasam, where she plays the female lead opposite Sree Vishnu. Directed by Yadunaath Maruthi Rao, the entertainer is scheduled to release on February 27 and marks a significant milestone in her growing career.

Confident about the project, Nayan describes it as one of her most important films so far.

On Her Character

In the film, she portrays Manisha, a mathematics lecturer who works in the same college as the male lead.

“While teaching is our profession, the core story focuses on the love between these two characters,” she explains.

She describes the film as a slow-burning narrative with strong comedic elements.

“It’s slightly female-dominated. In the first half, young audiences might even dislike my character because she troubles the hero. But in the second half, they will understand her reasons and probably love her,” she adds.

Calling it a complete entertainer, she mentions that comic timing played a crucial role and that she relied heavily on the director’s guidance during filming.

“I didn’t do any special preparation. Maruthi sir supported me a lot. We discussed my character arc in detail before every shot,” she says.

From Debut to Recognition

Nayan made her debut with Gam Gam Ganesha and followed it with back-to-back successful projects like Aay and KA.

Her consistent performance has helped her gain visibility in the industry, and she hopes Vishnu Vinyasam will further strengthen her position.

She recently received an award for Best Debut Female Actor, which she describes as a confidence booster.

“Many actors wait years for recognition. I received it for my debut — that feels very special,” she shares.

Real Personality vs On-Screen Character

Interestingly, Nayan says her real-life personality differs from Manisha.

“Manisha is mature and has faced struggles. She is looking for stability,” she explains.

Adding a lighter comparison, she describes the film’s setting like a college gossip scenario — “like PT sir and English madam” — reflecting its relatable campus vibe.

Career Goals and Future Projects

Hailing from Maharashtra, Nayan reveals she never underwent formal acting training.

During a vacation at her aunt’s place, a photographer friend captured her pictures, which later led to acting offers when people felt she resembled a Telugu girl.

“If not an actor, I would have become a lawyer,” she says, acknowledging she once had a backup plan.

She has also improved her Telugu language skills by interacting with team members on set, though she could not dub for this film due to other commitments.

Her upcoming project, Rakasa, is set for an April release, and she has also signed a Kannada film.

Challenging Shoot Experience

Recalling a difficult shoot in Visakhapatnam, she described filming a rain sequence at night on the beach.

“We shot for nearly seven hours. The water tanks ran out, and heavy rain disrupted continuity. Shooting in real rain with equipment precautions was challenging — we had to pause and wait,” she shares.

She calls it one of her most demanding on-set experiences so far.

Looking Ahead

Though she began with digital content and web projects, Nayan makes it clear her priority now is films.

“For now, my main focus is cinema,” she says, emphasizing her ambition to take on meaningful and performance-oriented roles.

Her goal remains clear — to explore diverse characters and tell new stories through strong scripts.