For the third time in his career, actor Nani plays a dual role in Krishnarjuna Yuddham (KAY). The two characters – Krishna and Arjun are completely in contrast with each other and will showcase the versatility of the MCA actor.
“Unlike my previous films Janda Pai Kapiraju and Gentleman which have a connection with one another, the roles in KAY are different and has no relation at all. What’s more interesting is that they cross paths and unite again for a common task,” says Nani.
The 34-year-old actor makes it clear that playing Krishna is really challenging to him. “Krishna was one of the most difficult roles I’ve ever played as it required me to master Chittoor diction. During the first day of the shoot, it was completely an unsettling experience.
After seeing the rushes, everyone on the sets clapped and then I gained confidence and convinced that I brought authenticity to my character. Director Merlapaka Gandhi etched this role in a humorous way and the audience will fall in love with his dialogues.”
With eight back-to-back hits to his kitty, Nani shows that he is the most sought-after star of Telugu cinema. Ask him how did he develop the skill of choosing good scripts? He shares, “I’m going by my gut-feeling. I know that success is not permanent. I am really happy with the way things are going for me and I happen to have eight hits under my belt. I always think of a day when things might go beyond our imagination and I may taste failure. I’m always prepared for the worst and ready to accept change. I will be disappointed if I’m still the same as I was in my debut film Ashta Chemma and don’t evolve as an actor by each film.”
KAY is releasing on April 12, just eight days ahead of superstar Mahesh Babu-starrer Bharat Ane Nenu. But, Nani says he is not too concerned about his film getting a cramped window to show its box-office monopoly and wished that every film releasing this season turns out to be a winner.
“When Baahubali: The Beginning released and became a humongous hit, the atmosphere at the ticket window was booming. That film has created more audience to come to the theatres and helped films like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy to be successful. This season, we had Ram Charan’s Rangasthalam running to packed houses and now that my film and Bharat Ane Nenu releasing, I wish to see a similar feat again.”
The hat-trick hero is excited to work with King Nagarjuna in his next.
“Nagarjuna garu has joined the sets recently and it was an amazing experience. We hit off really well and it feels like I’m working with an actor of my generation. Contrary to some reports, we are not playing brothers. It’s going to be another interesting character in my career. The second schedule is currently underway,” informs Nani.
On his upcoming films, he shares, “About five films are in the scripting stage and I haven’t decided on which film to start next. I will take a call once I wrap up my movie with Nagarjuna garu.”
— Murali Krishna CH
muralikrishna.db@newindianexpress
@onlymurali
