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Riz Ahmed reveals what led him to take up Netflix's Nimona

Nimona arrives on Netflix on June 30.

Riz Ahmed reveals what led him to take up Netflix's Nimona

The upcoming animated film Nimona, which is based on the graphic novel of the same name, is scheduled to start streaming on June 30 on Netflix.

This film follows a knight, Ballister Boldheart, as he works to prove that he did not commit the crime he is accused of. He joins forces with a mischievous shapeshifting teen, Nimona. Together the two must persevere past the preconceived notions that are set against them. Ballister Boldheart is voiced by Oscar-winning Riz Ahmed.


During an interview with an online portal, Ahmed opened up about what compelled him to take up the role of Ballister Boldheart.

“It has such amazing source material. The story, before it was even brought to the screen, is so beloved. You can understand why this is such a cool world. We've got a medieval futuristic vibe going on with dragons and knights and jousting, but also flying cars, holograms, and all of that. Also, such a cool character in Nimona,” he said.

The actor continued, “It's such a cool relationship and journey that Nimona and Ballister go on together of opening up to each other and realizing that if they want to be understood themselves, they need to take a step to try to understand others, which I thought was really interesting, you know? Just the whole deal. Then the directors, Nick and Troy, are just incredible human beings. They're incredibly hilarious and so meticulous in trying to get the most out of every single moment. It was really talking with them that sold me on it.”

Nimona arrives on Netflix on June 30.

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  • The actor resisted repeating the formula behind K.G.F: Chapter 2
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Four years after the success of K.G.F: Chapter 2, Yash is returning with Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, but not in the way many expected. Instead of following a familiar path after one of India’s biggest box-office hits, the actor says he deliberately moved away from projects that felt designed to recreate past success. For Yash, Toxic became an opportunity to explore new ideas, challenge himself creatively and think about Indian cinema on a wider stage.

Moving away from formula and playing safe

Yash revealed that after K.G.F: Chapter 2, several ideas came his way that appeared to follow an expected pattern. Rather than capitalising on what had already worked, he was drawn to stories that demanded more thought and experimentation. That eventually led him to Geethu Mohandas and Toxic. While the film carries the visual language of a gangster drama, Yash explained that it also explores emotional complexity, moral ambiguity and darker aspects of human behaviour.

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