Nikhil Siddhartha's Epic Journey: From 2-Year Shoot to Period Action Film 'Swayambhu'

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Actor Nikhil Siddhartha has finally wrapped up a grueling two-year shoot for his ambitious period action film, Swayambhu. Set to release on February 13, 2026, the film has been a labor of love for the actor, who took on a physically and mentally demanding role. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Nikhil shared his experiences of bringing the story of Krishnan Raman, an 11th-century Chola warrior, to life. Inspired by period dramas like Game of Thrones and Baahubali, Nikhil was drawn to the story of a kingmaker who played a pivotal role in Indian history. To prepare for the role, Nikhil transformed himself physically and mentally, ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity. Working with a handsome horse named Maruthi, who played his loyal sidekick, was a highlight of the shoot. Nikhil spent three months bonding with the horse, which he believes has a unique personality. The actor also revealed that Maruthi can speak in the film, adding to the excitement. The success of Karthikeya 2 in 2021 helped secure the necessary budget for Swayambhu, allowing the team to bring the film's out-of-this-world ideas to life. With Swayambhu finally wrapped, Nikhil has exciting projects lined up, including The India House and Karthikeya 3. However, the actor candidly expressed his fears of wasting his best years due to long shooting schedules. With the industry's increasing demand for high-quality content, Nikhil hopes that his efforts will pay off and that his hard work will be rewarded. As he looks forward to the release of Swayambhu, Nikhil remains optimistic about the future, eager to bring more exciting stories to the screen.