Actor Akhil Kaimal, who plays Ashvin, a filmmaker from Kerala, in "Sapne vs Everyone" Season 2, has opened up about how director Ambrish Verma helped him navigate self-doubt during the production. Speaking about his experience on set, Kaimal recalled a pivotal moment on his first day of shooting.

The breakthrough moment

"On my first day of shooting, we were filming one of the most crucial scenes in Ashwin's journey, and I was honestly very nervous," Kaimal said. "It's a moment where he's completely broken but still chooses to care for someone else. I remember questioning myself whether I was approaching it the right way." That's when Verma, who serves as director, writer, and lead actor, played the track "Hand Covers Bruise" on set and asked Kaimal to sit with it. "Something about that shifted everything. I suddenly understood what Ashwin was feeling," he explained.

Using music as a creative anchor

The experience led Kaimal to develop a unique approach to his character work. "After that, whenever I felt stuck, I would ask him, 'What music are you hearing for this scene?' and it became my way into the character," Kaimal revealed. This collaborative method proved instrumental in building his confidence throughout the shoot, even as doubts resurfaced midway through production.

Validation and character evolution

Halfway through filming, Kaimal continued to second-guess his portrayal of Ashwin. However, a candid conversation with Verma shifted his perspective. "A day before shoot, we were sitting and chatting, and I asked Ambrish bhai directly," Kaimal said. Verma revealed that while he had initially envisioned Ashwin as more serious and restrained, Kaimal's interpretation brought unexpected depth. "He mentioned that even small things, like my smiles and lighter moments, added depth, which is why he never asked me to change anything," Kaimal shared.

The value of peer recognition

Beyond directorial guidance, Kaimal also credited co-actor Paramvir Singh Cheema for providing meaningful feedback. During an emotional beach scene, Cheema told Kaimal he could genuinely feel everything being expressed. "As actors, we don't always get to hear such feedback, and it takes a certain level of generosity and confidence to acknowledge each other's work," Kaimal reflected. He added that while validation matters, lingering doubt remains important. "The doubt never fully disappears, and I believe that's important. It keeps you honest as an actor."

What's next for Kaimal

Kaimal's recent credits include "The Hunt: Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case," "The Kerala Story," and Netflix's "Kaala Paani." His debut Malayalam film, "Jalasamadhi," earned international recognition. Post "Sapne vs Everyone," he will appear in "Chand Mera Dil," produced by Dharma Films and directed by Vivek Soni, releasing 5 June in theatres. He is also currently shooting for a period drama for Netflix, produced by Balaji Telefilms and Chalkboard Entertainment.