Mumbai, May 18 (IANS): Budding actor Karanvir Malhotra, who is gearing up for his debut film ‘What Are The Odds', says that as an actor, his job is to help people escape from their reality and he will serve this purpose with his upcoming film.

With the film releasing amid the coronavirus pandemic, Karanvir said, "We are living in extraordinary times and we all are overwhelmed by the happenings around us. I think my role as an actor and entertainer is to help people escape from their reality. So I'm glad that my first feature film is a light, fun and slice of life film about two teenagers and the extraordinary events that happen within the span of a day."

The Netflix film releases on May 20. Produced by Abhay Deol and directed by Megha Ramaswamy, the film stars Yashaswini Dayama, Monica Dogra, Priyanka Bose, Manurishi Chaddha and Sulbha Arya, along with Abhay and Karanvir.

The actor made his acting debut with the web series ‘Selection Day' followed by ‘The Forgotten Army -- Azaadi ke liye'.

Karanvir said, "I see this film as a major building block in my career. Megha is a brilliant storyteller --distinctive and original. I'm thrilled to have had her as my director in my debut film. Working with Yashaswini was a treat. Her ideas are ingenious and I learnt heaps from her, as she's a natural actor. Getting to work with Abhay was the icing on the cake. I have always admired his craft and his ability to pick up unconventional roles and narratives, staying within the framework of mainstream Bollywood. His sense of humour and impeccable demeanour make him the star he is."

Sharing his character in the film, the actor said, "I play the character of Ashwin who is a ‘good boy' but certainly not conventional. The film's tone is playful and hence even a straightforward character like Ashwin had to be played with a lighter shade. There's always a feeling of nostalgia and euphoria when you play a character younger than you."

"The most fun element for me in the film was the relationships Ashwin discovers, realises and builds in a single day, not just with human beings, but certain other species too," he signed off.