INTERVIEW! Nani On Dasara, Clash With Bholaa And 15 Years In Film Industry- I Want To Do A Mythological Film

Q. As we have seen in the trailer, you are doing lots of action in the film. How challenging has it been?

A. It was very challenging. After completing the film, many actors say that 'we enjoyed a lot', 'the shoot was like a picnic', etc. But. there was nothing like that here. It was very difficult for me. I was counting the days when it would be completed. So yes, it was very difficult, but the film has come out equally well.

Q. What do you think is special about the content of Dasara, which will attract the pan-India audience?

A. I would not call it a pan-India film. It is just releasing in 5 languages - Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. There are many other languages in India and when we would release a film in every language, then we would say pan-India. So not pan-India yet, it is a multilingual film. Talking about the content, I think it's the emotion shown in it, people will connect with that emotion.

Q. As the name of the film is Dasara, does it have any special connection with Dussehra?

A. Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil. So if the film has to be summed up in one line, then this is the film. And a special connection is that.. the story of the film starts on one Dussehra and ends on another Dussehra. The journey in between is shown in the film.

Q. For you, what is the definition of a pan-India film?

A. According to me, no producer, actor, or director should mention that it is a pan-Indian film. Audiences should be allowed to decide after watching whether this is a pan-India film or not. If the audience of the whole country likes the film, then it becomes one. A film does not become pan-Indian just by releasing it all over India.

Q. Why do you think Hindi belt audiences are connecting so much with South films nowadays?

A. I think being rooted, being basic, and encompassing different emotions - these are the things connecting with the audience. Hindi films used to be made in the same way earlier, but now different types of films are being made here.

Q. Do you think it is time for larger-than-life cinemas?

A. I don't think it is necessary to be just larger-than-life. There should be some excitement in the story. In the last few years, you must have seen many films of South, which were similar to RRR and KGF, but all those films were not successful. That's why, being larger-than-life should not be the only criteria. There should be something interesting in the content. When that happens, the film also becomes successful.

Q. Talking about the Telugu film industry, how is the bonding in between you all superstars? Is there any competition?

A. We are all friends. Whenever we meet, we spend a good time together. In the case of films, there is always competition, but it is healthy competition. For example, when we study in school, everyone is friends, but there is still competition among everyone. It is the same here too. Otherwise, whenever we meet, we have a good conversation. Whenever the teaser, trailer of my films gets released, Prabhas calls and talks to me. We all are good friends here. Sometimes when actors from other industries also come to Hyderabad, they get surprised to see our camaraderie.

Q. Are you competitive?

A. I don't have any competition here because I have chosen a different path. I am giving a mainstream action film after many years with Dasara. I did a lot of different genre films in between, which no one else was doing, like Jersey and Shyam Singha Roy. That's why I don't consider anyone as a competition. Maybe after Dasara, I will be able to answer this.

Q. You became famous among the Hindi-belt audience with SS Rajamouli's film Eega aka Makkhi.

A. For the first time outside Telugu states, not only in Hindi, but in the rest of the country as well, Rajamouli's Eega was the film that gave me the popularity. Even at that time, he was considered a very big director in the Telugu industry. Just today the list of his achievements has become very long. Today he is making India proud all over the world.

Q. You have completed 15 years in the film industry this year. How do you feel about your journey?

A. To be honest, when I look back, it seems that it is a matter of a year or two. The people of this country have given me a lot of love and respect. This is the reason why I enjoy my work very much. My first film was Ashta Chamma (2008), I feel I had just done that film. These 15 years passed by very fast. I never thought that I would be able to reach here. I got a chance to be a part of some very memorable films. And I am very happy about it.

Q. Today, when a lot of debate happens about being an insider and outsider in the film industry. Coming from a non-film background, you have earned immense success in films. How do you see it?

A. Every film industry has some actors who belong to film families. Or not only in the film industry, but it happens everywhere. But to be honest, being an outsider makes me happier sometimes. Because if you are coming outside and get successful, then you will get ten times more satisfaction than any star kid. There is nothing wrong with it. Yes, they get more opportunities and you have to struggle more, but that struggle also has its own fun. My journey was very challenging but also very exciting because I had nothing to lose. For those who come from a film family, there is a burden of expectations on them. They have their own struggle.

Q. You have an immense fan following, especially female fans. How does it feel?

A. (Smiles) Yes, there is a lot of love from female fans because they like the kind of content I have done. I have done a lot of romantic films, now sometimes when I do an action film, there are complaints from their side. I have a lot of paintings and handwritten letters in my office which have been sent by the fans. I believe that I am lucky that I have got so much love from the fans. I will keep trying to give them good cinema. Will try to be true to my characters. So many people are giving me love, watching my films, and for this, I have only gratitude in my heart.

Q. Along with Dasara, Ajay Devgn's film Bholaa is also releasing. Are you concerned about this clash?

A. I am not considering it as a clash. Ajay Devgn sir is someone from whom we all have learned. If I stay in Mumbai, I will also go and see Bholaa first, and then go to Dasara. I would like to wish the entire team of Bholaa all the best. I know that the film will be a huge hit and I would like to say the same to the audience here that you watch Bholaa first, then take a break and come to see the Dasara. Enjoy the cinema.

Q. In the last 15 years, you have done almost all kinds of genres. What do you want to do next?

A. I want to do all kinds of genres except horror films. I definitely want to do a mythological film in the coming times, it has always been my wish. But don't want to think too much about it. When it will have to come, it will come. The universe will plan it.

Q. If you ever plan to do a Hindi film, which director would you like to work with?

A. Rajkumar Hirani sir. I must have seen all his films ten times. He portrays human emotions in such a wonderful way that you always connect with them. The story of his films is absolutely binding. It has a lot of entertainment in it, but also consists of a heartwarming message. So it's a great combination. He is my favourite.

Q. Would you like to share something about your upcoming film?

A. Nani30 is a working title. The shooting of this film is going on. We have finished the first schedule. In this film, I am playing the role of a father of a 6-year-old girl. This film is completely opposite to Dasara. Mrunal Thakur will be seen with me in the film.