Actor Ravi Kishan has landed a plum role in NTR, a biopic on legendary actor Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao. He has been roped in to play renowned cinematographer-director Ravikanth Nagaich in the film being directed Krish. “Director Krish saw me at the audio launch of Saakshyam and was convinced that I will be the best fit to play the part.
He said I had an uncanny resemblance to Nagaich and hence, I couldn’t say no. I have started shooting for the film and did my first shot convincingly,” says Ravi Kishan.
To understand Nagaich’s style and characteristics, Ravi Kishan says he didn’t do any research, but faithfully followed Krish’s words. “He (Krish) is an incredible director. He has done extensive research and procured all the details regarding my role and his inputs are good enough for me to portray Nagaich. His conviction made me live and breathe the character. The film boasts of many popular stars across the industries and I feel fortunate to be a part of this glorious saga.”
While Ravi Kishan plays Nagaich, Balakrishna essays the titular role of NTR. “Ravikanth and NTR garu are good friends. The former made his debut as cinematographer with Seetharama Kalyanam, a mythological film also marked the directorial debut of NTR. For a scene in that film, NTR, also played Ravana, had to lift Mt Kailas on his ten heads. Nagaich took mask shots with different expressions of NTR and that trick heralded a trend in Indian cinema. So, NTR’s biopic will show many such interesting scenes and I can’t reveal much right now,” adds Ravi Kishan.
The actor-turned-politician was floored by Balakrishna’s performance and calls him a fantastic actor. “What can I say? Balayya got into the skin of the character so well and he looks exactly like his father (NTR). The aura he carries on the sets is way beyond our imagination. I’ve already shot for some portions with him and is eagerly waiting to resume my work sometime in September,” shares Ravi. Apart from NTR, Ravi will also be seen in a crucial role in Megastar Chiranjeevi’s historical film Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and also awaits the release of Saakshyam on July 27.
— Murali Krishna CH
muralikrishna.db@newindianexpress @onlymurali