Actor-director Padmaraj Rajagopal Nair has drawn attention for undergoing a remarkable 53-kilogram transformation for his Marathi period romantic drama
Majhi Prarthana . Nair, who wrote, directed, produced and starred in the film, underwent months of disciplined training and dietary changes to authentically portray his character in the British-era story set in rural Maharashtra. The film also stars Upendra Limaye and newcomer Anusha Adep.
Speaking about the journey, Nair said, "A transformation of this scale is never just physical. It requires emotional strength, mental discipline and complete faith in the story you are telling. I believed the character deserved authenticity, and I wanted audiences to see a person, not an actor playing a role. Every sacrifice was worth it for the film."
The dedication appears to have resonated with audiences. Following its theatrical release,
Majhi Prarthana received a positive response and later premiered on OTT on June 17, 2026, reaching viewers in India and overseas. Beyond filmmaking, Nair is also known as an acting mentor and heads SRM Film School, where he has trained aspiring actors for more than two decades.
Reflecting on his approach to cinema, he said, "Cinema has always been more than entertainment for me. Every film is an opportunity to tell stories that stay with people. If audiences connect with the honesty of a performance, then all the hard work behind it finds its true purpose."
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