Nani is one of the most versatile and gifted actors in Tollywood. He never fails to impress the audience with his comic timing and great spontaneity. He has already delivered a memorable film Yevade Subrahmanyam and another fun filled entertainer Bhale Bhale Magadivoy that later on became one of the biggest hits last year. Now he teamed up with Hanu Raghavapudi of Andala Rakshasi fame for a fun entertainer Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha which is due for release this Friday. Here is an exclusive chitchat with the exuberant actor:
Hello Nani..
Hi!
How confident are you about your latest film Krishna Gadi Veera Prema Gaadha?
I watched the DTS preview of Krishna Gadi Veeera Prema Gadha today. I must confess that I got more confidence now. These days we see very few films which are too realistic to the character and this film is one. There are easily 5-6 scenes which would turn the audience emotional. I never had this much confidence on any of my previous releases in recent times!
What is the story behind such quirky title?
We weren’t fussed about the story, characterizations or the songs but had a bit of struggle in deciding the title. The entire team pondered over nearly 15 titles but there was no luck. But when we thought about what exactly the film conveys, we understood that it is the love story of Krishna and 'Gaadha' was added to give new touch to this interesting journey. We wanted to give the nostalgic touch by adding widescreen font like Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari movie! It was a team decision.
It is true that you play the role of Balakrishna fan in this film?
Yes.. I even got "Jai Balayya" tattooed on my hand. There is a very interesting link between the plot, Balakrishna and the Hindupur town for which he is serving as MLA now. It must be watched in theatre! I didn’t think of how a common Balayya fan behaves but did my own interpretation for the role.
Did you happen to imitate Balayya for the film then?
Not much. But there is one scene where I do the trademark “Thoda kottadam” which is so popular in Balakrishna films!
Which star do you admire in real life?
I am a huge fan of Kamal Hassan and he is a universal hero. I also admire SV Ranga Rao garu a lot.
Did you feature any special additions to attract Balakrishna fans in this flick?
This film has entertainment elements not just for Balayya fans but for everyone. However, few whistles might occur for the love of Balakrishna from his fans. As the film is based on Hindupur backdrop where nine out of ten people are Balakrishna fans, my role is totally justified.
What sort of kick did you get by the success of Bhale Bhale Magadivoy?
I never dreamt that the film would become such a bit hit. The Box Office collections here and overseas were overwhelming to me. I didn’t have any struggle shooting for it and it became success. For Yevade Subrahmanyam I poured by heart into it but it was a moderate success. After the success of BBM, I understood that audience come to theatres with a level of expectation and I should never break it. I'm glad that my comedy timing wasn't misfired and emotions also fared great in the film.
Is it true that you hiked your remuneration?
The hike of my remuneration would depend on my career graph. I cannot be taking the same money which I got as an assistant director isn’t it? A healthy hike is always alright.
You delivered two back-to-back hits. Are you in pressure?
Not at all. In fact, I'm more cool and composed now. If my earlier films were flops I’d have been so.
Did you make any major decision in selecting subjects of late?
I firmly decided that I wouldn’t leave films high on entertainment. I had a huge lesson with Sega and Paisa becoming disasters. I did a very serious role in Sega which doesn’t suit me at all. At least Paisa had some fun moments. From now my focus is on entertainment oriented scripts.
What about bilinguals?
After Aaha Kalyanam people criticized that being a Telugu actor I did the film in Tamil and dubbed in Telugu. I don’t want to travel in two boats by choosing bilinguals. My focus is on Telugu films alone.
How was it working with the new girl Mehreen this time?
We wanted a new face for this film because the role is Maha Lakshmi and she should be believable. She did a great job and has fantastic passion towards films.
What about your director Hanu Raghavapudi?
Hanu narrated the story of Andala Rakshasi to me first but I didn’t like. I felt that the story wouldn’t suit me. In fact, I didn’t even watch the film till now. After that he narrated three more stories which I didn’t like either. We then sat together and worked out for this film.
Why didn’t you watch Andala Rakshasi?
I didn’t want to fall in that influence and the fear that Hanu would make a similar film. I had great confidence in Hanu’s narration and felt that he should just do that. He gave a better output than I expected. Andala Rakshasi wasn’t his type of film and I always felt that he planned something but did something else. Krishna Gadi Veera Prema Gaadha is a film which shows what he really is.
What about Mani Ratnam’s movie ?
He narrated me a story but it coincides with a Hindi film and that’s why he is making a new story. Mani gave me a word that he will surely do a film with me and I'm waiting eagerly for it.
Upcoming movies?
The film with Indraganti has already begun and it is an entertainer with thriller elements. Another film with Virinchi Varma is yet to start
Okay.. thanks and wish you the best!
Thank you!