Actor Kalyan Ram may have gained popularity from commercial entertainers, but he is now ready to pick films from different genres. “My thought process has changed after Ism. I am trying to change my image and aspiring to fit into something that gives me a chance to show my acting potential. For the first time, I have gone beyond commercial cinema, stepped out of my comfort zone and worked in an out-and-out love story. The whole idea is to challenge himself with different roles and I am waiting to see how audience receive me in Naa Nuvve.”
The 39-year-old actor says what caught his attention was the characterisation in the film. “Naa Nuvve tells through the story of a PhD graduate, who is on the lookout for a job abroad. He is self-centred and falls in love with a girl. The duo are poles apart and how they take their relationship forward is the crux of the film.”
At first, the Nandamuri scion was apprehensive of doing this project. “When director Jayendra approached me, there were a lot of questions on my mind. I was totally surprised to know that he wanted to see me in a light-hearted romantic film. After going through the script, I realised that the film has a unique storyline and agreed to be on board. That way, this film has helped me to rediscover myself and also fulfiled my dream to work with cinematographer PC Sreeram. All credit to my producer Mahesh S Koneru for setting up this combination.”
Although it was difficult, the Sher actor reveals that he was able to make a difference to his character that brims with subtle emotions. “The film has tested my limits as an actor. In masala cinema, you should look hyper and do some incredible action sequences. In love stories, the acting is totally subtle but emotional and compelling. One should not make any gestures of head and hands. The character should convey emotions through an expression and one must take small breaks while speaking. This is an altogether different ball game.”
The actor sports a bespectacled look and has shaved his moustache for his role. “My wife is apprehensive of me shaving off my moustache. Even though I convinced her for one of my earlier films, my efforts were futile. This time, the role required me to be completely clean shaven and interestingly, my wife too liked the idea. However, the biggest compliment came from my son, who told me that it’s my best look to date. His words increased my confidence by leaps and bounds.”
Kalyan Ram has a clutch of projects in the pipeline. “My next film with cinematographer-director KV Guhan will be wrapped up by July 18. After that, I will start working for Pavan Sadineni’s multi-starrer followed by a film with Virinchi Varma. I’m also keen to produce a film with my brother (Jr NTR) in 2019.”
— Murali Krishna CH
muralikrishna.db@newindianexpress
@onlymurali