While terrorism is not a hot favourite theme for short film makers, director Maqbool Rahman has taken up this global threat as the subject of his maiden short film Sattva. Incidentally, ‘Sattva’ has Sanskrit origins and means purity of life. Playing the lead in this five-minute short film is actor Niyaz.
Talking about changing tracks from feature films to short films, Niyaz says, “Terrorism is a topic relevant worldwide as no country is immune from this threat. I play a terrorist who has a change of heart. What attracted me were the subject and the social message. As an actor, I believe I could draw attention to this growing malady and make people, especially youngsters, see the pitfalls and repercussions of being drawn to terrorism. Many youths join such outfits because of ignorance and if our team could visually depict the outcome of such acts, it would be great.”
The director was also adamant that his maiden film should be on a socially relevant subject. The film also explores the bond between Niyaz and a small child and has a lot of emotional moments.
Niyaz mentions that though it was of a short duration, the film made him intensely emotional as an actor.
His upcoming big screen projects include an untitled film with Vijay Babu and Parvathy Nair in prominent roles. “It is a road movie which will be released soon,” he says.
Also in his kitty are some projects that are yet to be announced. Other than acting, Niyaz is also a travel buff who loves visiting back of the beyond places with his friends.
Another thing that keeps him busy are the fashion shows in the city. He has been the show stopper for several shows and enjoys his stint as a model. He has also made a mini screen appearance as a judge of a VJ hunt reality show.
