Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 10 (NationPress) At 42, Jibin Gopinath has transformed acting from a mere hobby into a lifelong ambition, ignited at the tender age of eight.

Now, the former Kerala Police officer and burgeoning actor is enjoying the spotlight with his recent success in Dies Irae, a Malayalam horror thriller that has garnered both critical praise and established him as a rising talent in the film industry.

Sharing the screen with Pranav Mohanlal, the son of the legendary Mohanlal, Gopinath refers to this film as “a pivotal moment” that has rewarded his years of dedication and enthusiasm.

In an interview with IANS, he remarked, “It appears that my perseverance has indeed paid off,” beaming with satisfaction.

“The feedback for Dies Irae has been incredible. I’m receiving messages and calls from all over the state. It feels almost surreal.”

His journey in cinema commenced modestly as a junior artist in Mohanlal’s 2001 hit Thandavam.

In the following decade, he appeared in approximately 50 films, predominantly in minor or uncredited roles.

“My first audition happened when I was eight. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that I secured a significant role in the film Y. That’s when I started to believe that I truly belonged in cinema,” he reflects.

While balancing dual careers, Gopinath joined the Kerala Police as a constable in 2007.

His talent for performance caught the attention of senior officers, who encouraged him to participate in awareness videos and public campaigns.

“Those police videos were instrumental in honing my skills,” he states.

The pivotal moment came in 2023, when he starred alongside Dulquer Salmaan in a widely recognized PhonePe advertisement.

This exposure opened up new opportunities, leading to more substantial roles.

That same year, he made a critical decision—taking a five-year leave from his police service to fully immerse himself in acting.

“Leaving the uniform, even for a short time, was challenging,” he admits. “But I recognized that I had to take this leap of faith.”

Upcoming, Gopinath will be featured in Thudakkam, the debut film of Vismaya Mohanlal, where he will portray another significant character.

“I often receive offers to play a policeman,” he chuckles, “and I am very comfortable in khaki—it’s a part of my identity.”

In his hometown of Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram, he has become a local celebrity.

Amid his busy schedule and fan interactions, Gopinath struggles to find time with his twin children and his journalist wife, Honey, who he credits with keeping everything running smoothly in his absence.

For now, the man who once stood in the shadows of stars is confidently embracing the limelight—one performance at a time.