“Audiences gave a standing ovation after watching Eleven. It features a concept never seen before in thrillers. The twists are mind-blowing.” – Hero Naveen Chandra
Eleven is a bilingual investigative thriller starring Naveen Chandra in the lead role. The film is directed by Lokesh Ajls, who previously worked as an associate director under Sundar C for films like Kalakalappu 2, Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven, and Action. Produced by Ajmal Khan and Reyya Hari under the AR Entertainment banner, Eleven is their third venture after the critically acclaimed Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal and Sembi. The film is set to offer an extraordinary cinematic experience this summer. The promotional content released so far has created a huge buzz around the film. Prominent distributor N. Sudhakar Reddy of Ruchira Entertainments has acquired the theatrical rights. The film will be released worldwide in theaters on May 16.
Why was the film titled Eleven?
The title comes directly from the story. You’ll understand once you watch the movie. I’m very confident about the film. We already had screenings in Tamil, and the response has been unanimously positive. The audience gave a standing ovation. The twists, turns, and adrenaline-pumping moments we planned have truly excited viewers. I’m very happy with the audience response. After many years, I’ve had a great theatrical experience.
How unique is this thriller?
It presents a new emotional concept never before seen in thrillers. It will give the audience a very fresh experience. Everything in the film has logic. The twists are hard to decode in advance.
What about the screenplay and the director Lokesh?
The film has strong writing. We did nearly six months of pre-production to make the film in both Telugu and Tamil. Eleven feels like a commercial film visually. The producers invested generously. This is truly a director and technician’s film. Lokesh has done a fantastic job. Everyone who watched the film is praising the director and the writing. The first half is engaging, and the second half is mind-blowing.
Was the film shot in both languages?
Yes, we shot different takes for both languages. We didn’t just translate the script—we had a separate writer create the Telugu script from scratch. The producers spared no expense.
Doing the film bilingually is proving to be an advantage now. I dubbed in Tamil myself. I know eight languages and always try to dub my films in every language possible.
How do you detach from intense characters?
In the early days, it was hard to get out of character. I would carry the character home after the shoot. But after getting married, I slowly stopped doing that. Now, I stay in the character only during the shoot. Once it’s done, I switch off.
What is your role like in Mass Jathara?
I got a call from Sithara to play the villain opposite Ravi Teja sir—he himself recommended me. Just like how my character in Aravinda Sametha felt unique, this one will too. My look in the film is also very different.
My goal is to grow my audience base with every film, even if it’s just by ten people. That’s why I take on diverse roles.
Tell us about your film with Karun Kumar?
I’m working on a film called Honey. It’s a very dark film and will feel quite different.
I’m also doing an action film titled Kaali, and another Tamil project. In addition, I’m working with director Hari on a comedy film. It’s my first time doing comedy, and it’s been a great experience
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