Varun Nair on comedy, culture & the Malayali experience

Bengaluru

In a digital world where regional narratives are finally taking centre stage, Varun Nair has carved out a distinct and vibrant space by celebrating the pulse of South India. The Mumbai-based Malayali creator Varun Nair dives deep into the rich tapestry of South Indian culture, lifestyle, and modern identity, translating local nuances into universally relatable stories.

His content serves as both a nostalgic reflection for those who grew up in South India and an engaging introduction for those unfamiliar with its culture, helping him build a loyal following of over 38.7k followers. Blending sharp wit, everyday observational humour, and a deep appreciation for the region's diverse heritage, Varun doesn't just create videos; he builds a community centred around a shared cultural pride.

The shift
“I have been creating content for nearly seven years now,” said Varun in an exclusive interview with News Trail, reflecting on his journey in the creator industry. He shared that he holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media and was, until recently, working with a music label managing artists. Recalling the early days of his career, Varun said that in 2017, he worked with Ashish Chanchalani, a prominent Mumbai-based YouTuber, during the channel’s formative phase.

It was there that he gained much of his understanding of content creation and its algorithm. “One day, my brother encouraged me to start something of my own, and that’s when I created a TikTok account,” he said. Initially camera-shy, he spent considerable time experimenting with different content formats to find his niche. One of his most popular TikTok series, ‘TikTok Songs Stuck in Your Head’, quickly went viral and attracted significant attention. Encouraged by the response, he continued creating content consistently until TikTok was banned in India. By then, he had built a following of nearly 100,000 followers on the platform.

Experimentation
“I love the process of creating content, and that helped me overcome my fear of being on camera,” Varun said. He described his work as relatable comedic content rooted in the Malayali experience. What began as random video experiments gradually evolved into South Indian-themed content, which eventually became his niche. Reflecting on his early days as a creator, he noted that he started with almost no equipment. “When I began on TikTok, I used no equipment at all. Now I have a tripod, but I still believe you don’t need expensive gear to create good content,” he said.

Varun also recalled facing challenges along the way, including having his account shadow-banned during a period when he was posting multiple videos a day. Despite the setback, he remained committed to content creation and continued building his audience. Speaking about how his creative process has evolved, he said he no longer approaches content as spontaneously as he once did. “Earlier, I would make videos on the spot.

Now, I write scripts and take my time before creating content,” he explained. Among his most impactful projects is ‘On Call With Me’, a series focused on mental health. According to Varun, the series has resonated deeply with his audience, with many followers reaching out to share how the content has positively influenced and supported them through difficult times.

Next chapter
“I want to focus on my content first and then explore the opportunities that come along the way,” Varun said, noting that he is now starting a new chapter with more time to dedicate to content creation. Sharing his future aspirations, he said that while he intends to continue creating content, he also hopes to one day work in the Malayalam film industry. Varun revealed that he has already begun auditioning for acting roles in Mumbai as he pursues that goal.

Offering advice to aspiring content creators, he encouraged young people not to let fear of judgment hold them back. “People spend too much time worrying about what others will think of their content,” he said. “Stop being self-conscious, post freely, and learn to enjoy the process of creating. Consistency and passion matter more than perfection.”