New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly's changing physique has often become a talking point, but the story behind it is tied to a less visible aspect of filmmaking: the physical demands of becoming a character.

As the actor turned 42 on 11 October, his fitness journey offered a reminder that preparing for a film does not always mean losing weight or building muscle. Sometimes, the role requires a performer to move in the opposite direction.

For Nivin, that has meant adapting his appearance to the needs of different characters, even when the changes have attracted public scrutiny.

One of his most discussed transformations came with Moothon, Geetu Mohandas's 2019 film. Speaking to The Times of India that year, Nivin said he ha...