Showing posts with label Nani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nani. Show all posts
Even when I had my Mercedes back home in Kolkata, I used to travel in autos in Mumbai-Jisshu U Sengupta
9:30 AM
Chandrima Pal (BOMBAY TIMES; October 5, 2026)
On a day Kolkata nearly drowned, Jisshu U Sengupta glided in at an upscale lounge, dapper in his boots and trench coat. Evidently, his interpretation of festive dressing has its own rule book. Just like his career choices. In between prepping for a US tour with his band, juggling work in Bengali, Hindi, and Telugu theatricals and OTT, and prepping for a massive two-part film project this winter, he was at his leisurely best as he sat down with Calcutta Times for an adda over a double-shot espresso.
You haven’t had long-form conversations with the media in a long time. Why is that?
I’ve always believed my work should speak for itself – not just in the last three or four years, but always. I’ve avoided giving in to the media too much. I’m not a great speaker, and I believe that about myself. Saying “I’m a good actor” doesn’t make me a good actor. Saying “I’m a good drummer” doesn’t make me a good drummer. Some colleagues are very vocal, and that’s needed too. But I’m happy in my own cocoon. I talk to myself, and that gives me peace. I’ve never planned anything in my life.
The work you do for the South film industry, and the work you’ve done for OTT and Hindi projects, are very different – one is larger than life, the other hyper-real and tightly scripted. How do you make that switch?
I’m not a trained actor. My father was a theatre actor, and my mother used to say one actor in the family was enough (laughs). I was rather into cricket and music. By default, I’m here today talking to you primarily as an actor.
Unlike a lot of actors who design their script and character before going to set, I’ve never done that. I read the script. Ritu da (Rituparno Ghosh), who was my mentor, once asked if I put any thought behind what I do. I said no. Wherever I’m shooting, everything from the people around me to the cup of tea in the frame helps me do what I do. He heard me out and then told me, that while my approach wasn’t wrong, it would help if I got into the character’s headspace – understand his backstory, take him back to his childhood, parents, and heartbreaks, and work my way to who he is today.
From that day, that’s exactly what I’ve done. I build the character’s story in my head. I realized if you don’t believe in the character, you can’t act. The best way to act a character is not to act, but to behave. I try to behave.
Your trajectory in Bangla cinema is something people have watched evolve. But by the time you moved to Mumbai and later started doing South films, you were almost a complete package by then. Would you agree?
People think it’s easy to go to Mumbai and get work – that if you meet the right people, it’ll just happen. It doesn’t work that way. Even when I had my Mercedes back home in Kolkata, I used to travel in autos in Mumbai. I did that for years, and it helped.
People assume because you’ve done well in one film industry, people elsewhere will automatically know you. They don’t. When you go and ask for a role, you’re just an actor asking for a role. If you fit the bill, you get it. If you don’t, you don’t.
You are also reuniting with Nandita-Shiboprosad for Bohurupi: The Golden Daku?
Posto was my first film with them – a great father-son story built around a true story. Then I did Baba Baby O which was unusual as well. The first Bohurupi was a huge hit, and I had big shoes to fill – Abir’s shoes. He did a brilliant job, I was quite unsure about stepping into this role, but Shibu convinced me. And I also genuinely believe Shiboprosad is a great actor. I’ve told him this to his face and behind his back too. I don’t know why he does not pursue acting more.
Shiboprosad is a brilliant actor. Had he taken it up seriously, most of us would be totally out of work. He is that good.
What was the turning point in this journey?
Honestly, I have no idea (smiles). There was no calculation behind it. I wanted to be at it – if I wanted to achieve something, I had to keep showing up. That’s how I ended up doing Telugu films. I did Manikarnika with Krish, who’s now a great friend. He asked if I wanted to do a Telugu film, and I said I didn’t know the language. He said that didn’t matter. From that day to this, I’ve done around 18-19 Telugu films with Chiranjeevi sir, Ravi Teja, Venkatesh sir, Nani, and Nithiin. Funnily enough, a lot of people think my name is Jishu Sen Gupta and that I’m a Telugu actor. When people around me speak in Telugu, I simply smile and nod my way through it.
That’s the beauty of this industry. Every day is a new day. If I carry the baggage of what I’ve already done, I’m weighing myself down. Honestly, I believe I’ve done nothing in life, and I mean it.
I’d love to win a National Award someday. There have been awards I haven’t even gone to collect, and ones I have picked up. It feels brilliant being recognized as best actor, but that glory is only for that moment. The next day is a new day. That award isn’t going to fetch me three more awards – I still have to work hard for that.
This has been an interesting year for you — a lot of exciting projects, back-to-back Bangla releases after a long time. What do you look for now when you say yes to a Bangla project?
This applies to everything, and it’s something Ritu da taught me. He once asked me whether I wanted to be an actor or a hero. I said I wanted to be an actor. He explained that if you choose to be a hero, your time span is limited, but an actor can act until he dies.
He told me: “When offered a character, imagine taking him out of the story. Does the story still move without him, or does it get stuck? If it can move without him, don’t do it. But if the story doesn’t work without that character, take it – because that one scene will give you another frame.” That’s exactly how I’ve chosen scripts ever since. I never wanted to be a hero. I wanted to be an actor.
Do you think the response to Abhhiman, your first Bangla production under your Why So Serious banner could have been different? It didn’t quite land the way it should have, isn’t it?
It did average business, and it could have been better. I’ve learnt a lot, and so has Saurav (Das). We could have marketed the film differently – it was a father-son story, and we marketed it as a rockstar’s film. The film could also have been a little shorter. We’re going to fix these mistakes the next time we produce a film.
Bangla cinema is going through a fair bit of churn right now. Do you see yourself playing a role in shaping its future?
If I get the opportunity, of course I will. This is where I grew up, where I earned my first bread, butter, and chicken tandoori. I’d give my life for it. Think about it – name me one state in India that has mountains, snow, forests, a river, an ocean, red soil, and the world’s biggest mangrove forest, all in one place. We have all of it. The rest of the Indian film industry should come here and explore it.
Yes, there will be competition. Bangla cinemar pashe daran – I think that’s rather silly. Amra jani amra kothay dariye acchi. But we don’t do enough about it. We need to fix that.
On a more introspective note — where are you in your head these days, in terms of your personal space and journey?
I’ve grown up a lot in the last few years. I never really knew who I was, but I’ve at least understood that there are certain things I need to work on, let go of, and face. These last couple of years have given me that time and space to understand myself – to let go of habits and arrive at the person I wish to be.
Would you say you are a work in progress?
Absolutely. Every person has shades of grey. At least once a day, you look in the mirror and know where you’ve gone wrong. I have my own justifications, but I know exactly where I’ve been wrong, and where I’ve been right. People are quick to judge, but no one has stepped into my shoes and walked the paths I’ve walked. So first do that, and then judge.
I wanted to play cricket for India; I couldn’t. I wanted to play the drums at Wembley Stadium; I’ll probably never get to. That would be an achievement.
It’s rare for men in showbiz to talk about their emotional journeys. There’s a certain image to protect, and vulnerability to hide.
Because that’s how our world has conditioned us – “boys don’t cry.” Amra etai shune eshechi. I don’t subscribe to that, though. I’ve gone to a psychiatrist. I’ve taken therapy. It’s helped me a lot. We only really talk about what women go through with mental health, which is ok. But men go through instability too, and we just don’t talk about male mental health.
I lost my father when I was 21. I started working at 16, earning at 17, and by 19 I was taking on responsibility for my family – no one really talks about that. It’s still difficult, taking care of so many people. Carrying those responsibilities, a man goes through a lot – EMIs, due dates, and people who judge you without paying your bills. And I have my desires too.
I’ve failed so many times, and I’ve learnt from every failure. Men cry. I cry. On my bad days, I miss my daughters and I cry. That’s okay. Why should I hide that just because I’m a man? I don’t buy that anymore. This is who I am.
We see you on screen, the glamorous side of you, but your inner journey isn’t something we usually pause to think about.
Honestly, I don’t want anyone thinking too much about it, and I don’t want suggestions from anyone either. Respect is the only thing I actually work for. In fact, the only thing all men want is just a bit of respect, and we’ll do anything.
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JISSHU’S HISTORY & CHEMISTRY WITH SRIJIT
Srijit Mukherji, says Jisshu, is a director “who’s experimented with me the most, and I’m grateful to him for that. I am a director’s actor. But Srijit has pushed me further than most.” Here’s what he had to say about his projects with the director:
Rajkahini: One of my biggest turning points. I actually said no initially, but he insisted. It was a small role, but I won pretty much every award for those ten minutes.
Zulfiqar: Got me some of the best reviews of my career. Koushik Sen and I got the most critical acclaim among all the actors in that film.
Dawshom Awbotaar: Not a great film for me. I remember getting a late at night call from Srijit, and I told him to stop overworking himself, that he’s capable of doing much more. He said I didn’t understand the economics of filmmaking. We argued. But yes he has given me some of my best roles.
Goenda Kanai Charan: The premise comes together with so many of Srijit’s own passions — food, travel, everything. Honestly, that character is largely Srijit himself. When he grows old, he’s going to become Kanai. It’s really his own future coming onto the screen.
Srijit will go to any extent to convince you about what he wants, and he’ll make you believe he’s right. He will not leave the table until he has won the argument.
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Music has helped me find my calm. when everything is moving so fast, it makes me take a step back, sit somewhere, and just be in the moment. my love is divided into three parts – cricket, music, and acting – and each gives me happiness and peace
Sonali Kulkarni shuts down rumours about Nani's The Paradise getting delayed
10:31 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 10, 2026)
Telugu superstar Nani’s much-awaited film, The Paradise, recently made headlines with reports that the release might be pushed due to pending work on the climax and in post-production. However, Nani’s co-star Sonali Kulkarni, exclusively spoke to HT City and clarified that the film will release as per schedule on September 24, 2026: “Yes, it is our promise. We have also announced it on our social media. We are not delaying the release, and we are releasing on the 24th.”
About what caused the delay, the National Award-winning actor is quick to mention that the delay was only because the director wanted to put the best version out there for the audience to watch.
“All I can say is credit to my director’s vision. Srikanth is very particular about the details. The delay was because he wanted to entertain the audience with complete conviction. He didn’t want to compromise on anything. But we are releasing on the 24th, finally,” she explained.
Sharing the screen space with Nani, Kulkarni, 51, is in awe of how humble the actor is. “It was a joy working with Nani. He is a team member. He never treated himself like a superstar. He is not from a filmy background, but he has been an assistant director, and I felt that I was seeing a replica. I am a unit person on set. We bonded on many things. He is a director’s actor. He is humble and carries no weight about his stardom,” said an elated Kulkarni.
The growing anticipation for the film has fans and netizens drawing many parallels between Kulkarni’s character and Ramya Krishnan’s character as Sivagami in S S Rajamouli’s Baahubali series. Dismissing any commonality, Kulkarni mentioned that this is an absolutely fresh character.
“I wish I could tell you a lot more, but you will not be able to compare my character with anybody. This is something you have never seen before... Not necessarily a mother, because nobody called me a mother on the set,” shared the Dil Chahta Hai (2001) actor.
Besides, the actor also exclusively shared an update on yet another Bollywood release. Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, Kulkarni will also be seen in The Wives Of Bollywood. There have been no formal updates on the film’s release yet; however, Kulkarni shared that the Madhur Bhandarkar directorial will hit the theatres this year. “A fortnight back I saw the trailer, and in their language, it is kick-ass (laughs). It should come in 2026 for sure,” she ended.
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds approached to present Nani’s global action drama The Paradise
10:17 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; October 30, 2025)
Ever since The Paradise was announced with Telugu star Nani, the makers have been pitching it as a global film. The first step towards that goal was to make it accessible. So, the action drama will be released in eight languages, including English and Spanish. Now, it appears that their ambition to go global has yielded another idea. mid-day has learnt that The Paradise’s team has approached Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds to come on board as a presenter.
A long shot? Maybe, maybe not. A source reveals that director Srikanth Odela is certain about making the actioner for a global audience. “Naturally, having a Hollywood name attached will heighten the film’s appeal to the international audience,” says the source.
When it came to zeroing in on Hollywood stars, the Deadpool actor was a natural fit according to the makers.
The source reasons, “Given that the film is an action drama with quirky elements, the team felt there could be no one better than Ryan Reynolds as his actioners have a similar feel.” Producer SLV Cinemas and its team have been trying to connect with the star’s team over the past three months. Another insider shares, “It’s in the last two weeks that they finally got access to Ryan’s team. The talks are on.”
Also starring Raghav Juyal in his Telugu debut, The Paradise is slated to release in March 2026 and marks Nani’s second outing with Odela after Dasara (2023).
Raghav Juyal on heading south with Nani's The Paradise: "It’s a treat to work with the natural star"
10:43 AM
Actor and dancer Raghav Juyal on making his Telugu debut with ‘The Paradise’, starring south star Nani
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; October 5, 2025)
With back-to-back terrific performances — both on the big screen and OTT — Raghav Juyal has established himself as a dependable actor in Hindi cinema. So, it seems to be the right time for the actor to look towards south. Juyal will be next seen in south star Nani-led The Paradise, which releases in March 2026.
Making his Telugu debut with the action drama, Juyal says he is blown away by director Srikanth Odela’s vision. “Whoever has watched his previous film, Dasara [2023], would know that his vision is impeccable. What he is doing with this film is also so thrilling to experience. The announcement of the film itself was crazy, now wait for my look. You will love it!” he says, adding that he considers himself fortunate to be stepping into a new industry with its top star.
“It’s a treat to work with the natural star! He is amazing. And this is not just in Telugu, but it’s a pan-world film. It’s being made in Spanish and English as well,” says the actor, who plays the antagonist.
Juyal began filming some time ago. He then took a short break to finish the promotions of his latest work, The Ba**ds Of Bollywood, currently streaming on Netflix. He will resume the shoot for The Paradise next week in Hyderabad, where he will be joined by Nani.
Arshad Warsi breaks silence on calling Prabhas a 'joker' in Kalki 2898 AD: "I spoke about the character, not the person"
8:18 AM
The actor says that his “joker” comment about Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD was misconstrued
BOMBAY TIMES (September 30, 2024)
During a podcast last month, talking about one of the big pan-India releases this year, Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, Arshad confessed that he didn’t like the film much. He had said, “Maine Kalki dekhi, mujhe toh nahi acchi lagi. Amit ji was unbelievable.”
He then added, “Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he… He was like a joker. Why?” His comment didn’t go down well with Prabhas’ fans as well as others in the Telugu film fraternity, including actors Nani, Sudheer Babu and director Ajay Bhupathi.
Breaking his silence on the online backlash he faced following his comments, Arshad, at an event on Saturday, clarified that his remarks were about the character and not the person.
He said, “Everybody has their own point of view, and people like to interpret noise. I spoke about the character, not the person. He is a brilliant actor, and he has proved himself again and again, and we know about it. And, when we give a bad character to a good actor, it’s heartbreaking for the audience.”
Arshad further added that he is happy that industries of different languages are coming together to make movies.
“The blurring of language barriers should have happened a long time ago. I really feel enraged when someone uses terms like Bollywood or Tollywood. I have told people many times that this is the Indian film industry. We all are in it together.”
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 30, 2024)
Arshad Warsi has finally reacted to the controversy he courted recently when he called actor Prabhas’ character in Kalki 2898 AD “a joker”. The actor, while attending an event, was asked about ‘something he said recently about an actor that didn’t go well’.
Warsi responded: “Everybody has their own point of view and people like to [create a little bit of] noise. I spoke about the character, not the person. He (Prabhas) is a brilliant actor and he has proved himself again and again, and we know about it. And, when we give a bad character to a good actor, it’s heartbreaking for the audience.”
Last month, Warsi expressed his disappointment with Prabhas’ character Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD while speaking on a podcast. He said: “Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he… he was like a joker.”
What followed was sharp reactions from not just Prabhas’ fans, but even actors. Actor Sudheer Babu wrote on X: “It’s okay to criticize constructively but it’s never okay to bad-mouth. Never expected the absence of professionalism from Arshad Warsi. Prabhas’ stature is too big for comments coming from small minds (sic).”
Actor Nani said in a press conference that this must be the “most publicity” Warsi had got in his life. He later regretted his comments, saying, “Definitely, my choice of words was also poor. The biggest thing that you can do is accept your regret. But what I am also saying is that it sounds so bad when it’s translated.”
Nani on Rishab Shetty’s view on Hindi films: "I don’t think Bollywood shows India in a negative light"
8:22 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 2, 2024)
Nani thinks actor-director Rishab Shetty meant well when he said that Bollywood does not portray India in a positive light. Sharing his perspective on Shetty’s comment, the actor said that some “great, magical films” are being made in Bollywood.
“I don’t think Bollywood shows India in a negative light. I don’t think Rishab meant it that way. I think what he was referring to was more rooted stories,” Nani told India Today.
Talking about Hindi films, he added, “In a few [Bollywood] films, a lot of importance is given to the technique and style of filmmaking rather than the core of the emotional story. But there are some great, magical films in Hindi too.”
Recently, after winning a National Film Award for his film Kantara (2022), Shetty told MetroSaga in Kannada: “Indian films, particularly Bollywood, often portray India negatively. These so-called art films get showcased at international events and receive special attention. For me, my nation, my state, and my language are sources of pride. I believe in presenting them in a positive light to the world, and that’s exactly what I strive to do.”
I saw Bollywood action film here. I don’t want to name it. It’s shot brilliantly, but it was a disaster-Nani
8:15 AM
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram star Nani believes south actioners fare better than Bollywood ones as they prioritise emotions over stunts
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 2, 2024)
Telugu star Nani has played an action hero several times in his 16-year career. What separates his latest release, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, from his previous offerings is his brooding character. “Since the antagonist is full of energy, I decided I needed to play a character opposite of that. If his USP is energy, mine should be intensity,” says the actor.
It won’t be wrong to say that filmmakers in the south seem to have cracked the code to the genre. Of late, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada actioners have found takers across the country. In contrast, Bollywood action films underperformed at the box office this year. Nani believes the key to a successful action film is the story.
“Action is not about stylish choreography; it’s about the emotion, the build-up to a fight, and its purpose. You should focus on story-building. I saw an action film here [in Bollywood]. I don’t want to name it. It’s shot brilliantly, but it was a disaster here. Everything was done so well, but it missed the most important fact—that action needs emotion. Someone’s kicking another person and you aren’t feeling for either of them. Then it’s just a well-shot demo reel of an action choreographer!”
Is that what south actioners get right? “Our focus has been on the emotion. There are some great action films in Hindi as well. But where they could’ve gone wrong is in putting too much attention on technique and less on emotion.”
That said, one of his favourite action heroes hails from Bollywood. “I’m a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan sir. I love how Bachchan sir holds an expression and delivers it with double impact. Kamal sir is all about trying out things.”
Prabhas never had any hang ups about someone else lending a voice to his Salaar character-Sharad Kelkar
8:17 AM
Lending his voice to Prabhas in Salaar’s Hindi adaptation, Sharad Kelkar says the audience deserves quality
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 24, 2023)
To Prabhas’ Hindi audience, Sharad Kelkar has grown to be his cinematic voice. The actor first dubbed for Prabhas in Baahubali (2015). Since then, he has lent voice to Hindi versions of several Prabhas-led films, including the recent, Salaar. Thrilled with the response to Prashanth Neel’s directed venture, Kelkar says he enjoys dubbing for Prabhas because of his gracious nature.
“Despite being such a big star, he never had any hangups about someone else lending a voice to his character. Prabhas always looks at the bigger picture; he wants the final product to look and sound good. That’s such an admirable quality,” says the actor, who was also the voice of Telugu star Nani in Dasara’s Hindi version.
This was the first time that Kelkar was working on a project with the KGF franchise director. Crediting the precision of the director, he says, “Prashanth is hardworking. He observes every detail of the film and has clarity in his work. He communicates exactly what he wants from his actors, [even if they think otherwise]. I love that about him. I have seen the same thing in S S Rajamouli sir.”
Having much experience in lending voice to south actors, Kelkar says that several makers undermine the importance of good dubbing. “The dubbed version should sound authentic; it can’t exist for the sake of it. People watching dubbed versions deserve a quality experience,” expresses the actor, who had initially rejected the offer to dub for Nani as he believed his voice wouldn’t suit the actor.
“I agreed because the makers told me that his character would be drunk throughout the film, and usually when you are inebriated, you sound huskier than usual. I always maintain that kind of discretion,” he explains.
As a hopeless romantic, I believe there aren’t enough romantic movies being made-Mrunal Thakur
8:22 AM
After her fifth film of 2023, Mrunal Thakur on romancing the Telugu actor in last week’s release, Hi Nanna
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 11, 2023)
A quick glance at her filmography reveals that Hi Nanna marks Mrunal Thakur’s fifth release of 2023. The film that pairs her alongside superstar Nani marks her return to the Telugu movie industry after the hit, Sita Ramam. Evidently, then, a discussion on the volume of work that she has been pulling off is what we begin this conversation with.
“The world’s most beautiful stories reach out to me, and then I have to do my job of entertaining the audience. Hi Nanna is special, and Yashna is my most special character to date. In Nani, I had a co-star with whom I made a great pair. He is kind, and we make a good unit,” she says, adding that her experience of filming her last Telugu outing, Sita Ramam, with Dulquer Salmaan, has made her better equipped at filming this offering.
“I have a better grasp on the language this time. The film is sincere. I wanted to be part of a film that is different and fresh. It focuses on human relationships.”
At a time when actioners and films based on family politics have been acquiring the attention of cinegoers, Thakur finds comfort in breathing life into a love story. “I have been offered love stories, back to back. I am glad that filmmakers are showing so much faith in this genre again. As a hopeless romantic, I believe there aren’t enough romantic movies being made. Stories like these are made once in a blue moon. I want more actors to explore the genre.”
Even as as she connects with mid-day, Thakur is in the midst of shooting her next Telugu film, which has her star alongside Vijay Deverakonda. “We often discuss our common experiences in the two industries we both work in. We are both in the US right now, and interacting with our fans here has been heartening. Vijay is a supportive co-actor,” she says of the film titled Family Star.
Mid-Day Exclusive: Check out Mrunal Thakur's look from Goa schedule in Nani 30
4:53 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 29, 2023)
'Sita Ramam' (2022) brought much success to Mrunal Thakur. She hopes to be equally lucky with her second Telugu film, the working title of which is 'Nani 30'. Fronted by Telugu star Nani, the family drama went on floors in January in Hyderabad, followed by schedules in Mumbai and Goa. mid-day has now scooped exclusive pictures from its Goa shoot. In her first look from the movie, the leading lady is seen in a purple saree and ethnic jewellery, strolling on the beach.
A bit of digging revealed that the shoot was conducted earlier this month, near the Betalbatim Beach in south Goa.
A source tells us, “The makers wanted a picturesque beach against which they could shoot Mrunal’s introductory scene. To ensure a smooth filming experience, the local authorities cordoned off the beach. A team of 30 shot these portions in the first week of June. Costume designer Sheetal Sharma styled her for the film.”
After the Goa leg, the unit—led by debutant director Shouryuv—headed to Coonoor. “The team wrapped up the principal shoot in Coonoor last week. Now, only patchwork shoot is remaining.”
Pitting south Indian films and Bollywood against each other will always keep happening-Nani
8:27 AM
Basking in the success of Dasara, Telugu star Nani shares why he finds the South vs Bollywood debate passé and insists on focusing on content
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 2, 2023)
SS Rajamouli is a force to be reckoned with in Indian cinema today. Not only is he credited as the biggest director in the country, but the Oscar win for RRR has catapulted him to become India’s cultural ambassador globally. However, for actor Nani, who collaborated with him on the hit fantasy actioner Eega (2012), much before Rajamouli broke out as a pan-India director, the filmmaker was as big as he is today for the rest of the country.
“Rajamouli sir had already become big by the time we worked with him in Eega. Our respect and adulation for him have always been there. The only change is that his list of achievements has grown,” says Nani.
Rajamouli is also credited with awakening India to the rich talent of South cinema with his action epic Baahubali franchise. Ever since, South films have begun to find takers in the Hindi film audience, with successes like RRR, Kantara, and KGF - Chapter 2 registering mammoth success at the box office. Bollywood’s less than average performance and failures at the box office—before Pathaan’s release—were put against the successes from the south, with chatter on social media declaring that Bollywood was over and south cinema was the only future for Indian entertainment. Nani, whose latest release, Dasara, has become his career’s best opening yet, says people should not indulge in negativity but celebrate the fact that audiences have more diverse films to choose from now.
“Pitting south Indian films and Bollywood against each other will always keep happening as long as there is social media and media. As kids, we used to watch a lot of Hindi films. In fact, south [audience] have contributed big collections to Bollywood. [I believe] we are all equal. Now, it will be about who makes the best film,” insists Nani, adding that given that lines are blurring, someday he would like to work with “my favourite director, Rajkumar Hirani”.
“I am a big fan, and I would love to do a film [with him]. There were times when a few things came my way, but they didn’t excite me much.”
Writing on the poster that a film is available in five different languages doesn’t make a film pan India-Nani
8:26 AM
Telugu star Nani discusses what constitutes a pan-India film and how his upcoming movie, Dasara will fit the bill
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; March 26, 2023)
Days before Dasara hits the screens, Telugu star Nani feels like a student awaiting his test results. Though he is confident about excellent reports, the Telugu star has set his eyes on the top score—Dasara, transitioning from being a multilingual film to a pan-India experience. While industries across languages have been obsessed with the ‘pan-India’ tag lately, Nani exercises caution as he shares what the term means for him. It cannot be engineered; it has to be earned, believes the actor.
“If the entire country watches a film and falls in love with it, it becomes pan India. Writing on the poster that a film is available in five different languages [doesn’t make a film pan India]; by that logic, every film is already pan India. Dasara is a multilingual film, but if everyone watches it and it becomes a blockbuster and the talk of the nation, then I will proudly call it a pan-Indian film. March 30th will be my test,” says Nani of the period action adventure film written and directed by debutant Srikanth Odela.
Nani believes that the only Indian artiste, at the moment, who can claim the blinding faith of the diverse Indian audience is his Eega director S S Rajamouli. “While making a movie itself, Rajamouli sir can say that [his project] is a pan-Indian film because he knows the whole country is waiting to watch his movies. But me? I don’t know,” says the actor, while adding that he is sure of how Dasara has shaped up.
Nani claims that after the first narration by Odela, he was certain that Dasara had the potential to become one of his career-best moves. After filming, the Telugu star proudly claims that the film has exceeded his expectations. “I knew if we mounted it right, this could become much bigger than our anticipation. Something about my director convinced me that he was going to be the next big thing. I could sense a certain honesty in him.”
Since the trailer launch, there has been talk that Nani’s Dasara shares similarities with Allu Arjun’s Pushpa. While some believe that the similarity stems from Odela’s previous association with Pushpa director Sukumar, Nani is quick to cast off the idea.
“Srikanth didn’t work on Pushpa, but I am sure he learnt technical expertise [from him]. The world of Dasara is inspired by his own life. His father worked as a truck driver for 40 years in the coal mines. These comparisons with Pushpa are happening because, like Allu Arjun, I am also sporting a messy hair look. But in any rural village, every guy looks like that,” he says, hoping the comparisons will end once the film releases.
This is a golden period for Indian cinema-Nani
8:25 AM
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 16, 2023)
The Oscar-winning track Naatu Naatu has the world dancing to its beats. Actor Nani feels Indian cinema is in its “golden phase” now, and the laurels for the RRR (2022) track and the documentary The Elephant Whisperers have helped command all the more respect.
“This is a golden period for Indian cinema. Music and dance have been our strength. Now, the world has recognized it,” says the actor, best known for his Telugu film Jersey (2019). He goes on to laud the Oscar-winning team, saying: “I’m sure global players will want to collaborate with Indian makers like S S Rajamouli sir.”
The Hindi versus southern language films debate was a rage on social media. But, Nani feels it was blown out of proportion. “Today, anything can be twisted for debates. My film Dasara, for instance, is made in Telugu and dubbed in four other languages. It is a pan-India release. But, if someone misinterprets that, it’s not my fault. Hindi cinema was always loved. Now, people are watching Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films, too. Whoever makes good cinema will get brownie points,” he reasons.
“It’s our fault that we saw language as a barrier and didn’t go all out. But, the audience made us realize that only great scripts work [be it in any language]. Now the lines are getting blurred and cinema is becoming one,” adds Nani, who is keen on exploring Bollywood.
Sita Ramam effect: Mrunal Thakur bags deal worth Rs. 6 crores in a film starring Nani
8:27 AM
Sita Ramam success gives significant boost to actor’s Telugu film career; bags deal worth Rs. 6 crores in film starring Nani
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; March 15, 2023)
Mrunal Thakur may have initially struggled to find her foothold in Bollywood. However, her acclaimed act in the Dulquer Salman-starrer Sita Ramam has opened up several opportunities for her in the Telugu film industry.
Thakur is currently filming her second Telugu movie with Nani in Hyderabad. Shouryuv’s directorial venture, tentatively-titled Nani 30, is a significant film in her career given that, we hear, she has bagged Rs 6 crores for the film. “This development makes her one of the highest paid leading ladies, down south,” says the source, adding that Thakur currently has seven offers to pick from.
“Two of these are Telugu films, two are Tamil ones, and one is in Malayalam. However, her decision will depend on when her next Hindi film takes off. Discussions with a few Bollywood filmmakers are underway, and things should materialise in a matter of weeks. Later this year, she may make her Tamil and Malayalam film debut.”
The actor was last seen in a special appearance opposite Akshay Kumar in Selfiee, and will feature in the crime thriller, Gumraah. She plays a cop in the April 7 release that also stars Aditya Roy Kapur in a double role. Apart from these two projects, Thakur will also feature in Umesh Shukla’s Aankh Micholi with Abhimanyu Dassani, and in R Balki’s anthology, Lust Stories 2.
I translate the dialogue to English, then Marathi and then say it in Telugu-Mrunal Thakur
8:31 AM
Slated to begin shooting her second Telugu movie after Sita Ramam, Mrunal Thakur on how she prepped to speak the dialect fluently
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; January 29, 2023)
With region or language no longer as a barrier for creative people, artistes are branching out without fear. Marathi mulgi Mrunal Thakur, who made her Telugu debut with Dulquer Salmaan-starrer 'Sita Ramam' (2022), is gearing up for her next big Telugu project—debutant director Shouryuv’s untitled next, opposite south star Nani. The first muhurat shot of the Nani-starrer will take place on January 31. To ensure that the dialect flows fluently in the film based on the relationship of a father and daughter, the actor has begun prep.
“Everyone working with me on the film has been briefed to talk to me only in Telugu whenever I come to Hyderabad for the shoot,” she says, rattling off some phrases in the language with perfect diction and pronunciation. Thakur says she fell in love with the Telugu language while working on director Hanu Raghavapudi’s film. She hopes that her love for the language doesn’t stop her at only mugging up the dialogues.
Recalling the difficulties while working on Sita Ramam, which premieres today on Star Gold, Thakur says, “If I had a better command over the language, I would be able to improvise my performance [and reciprocate] to my co-actor’s lines. [My process starts with] translating dialogue to English, then Marathi and then saying it in Telugu. It has to all seem effortless.”
Shoot for Shouryuv’s directorial venture, which also marks Nani’s 30th film in the industry, is scheduled in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Coonoor and Goa.
I am confident Shahid Kapoor will pull off the role in Jersey-Nani
9:50 AM
With Kapoor headlining the Hindi adaptation of Jersey, star of the Telugu original, Nani, discusses how the sports drama has pan-India appeal
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 6, 2020)
After the raging success of Kabir Singh (2019), Shahid Kapoor turned to the South again to look for inspiration, taking a shine to Jersey (2019) this time around. Nani, who had headlined the Telugu original, had delivered one of his strongest performances as he essayed the role of a retired cricketer who strives to make a comeback. The South actor believes the subject of the sports drama has a pan-India appeal."I am confident about Jersey because it has the backdrop of cricket, which will strike a chord with the audience across India. Plus, the film has a strong emotional core. The combination of these two cannot go wrong," says Nani, asserting that an actor of Kapoor's calibre will do justice to the role. "Shahid is a good actor and has been picking up the right content. I have been following his work and I am confident he will pull off this role."
When Nani had flown down to Mumbai last year, director Gowtam Tinnanuri, who is helming the Hindi adaptation as well, had lined up a meeting with Kapoor. "Gowtam was keen that we meet. But, the meeting did not take place as I had gone to Mumbai for a two-day shoot and had to rush back."
With four films, including Hit: The First Case, Middle Class Abbayi (MCA) and Ninnu Kori, being remade in four different languages, the actor is proud that regional cinema is getting its share of the spotlight. "I am glad people like my choice of content and feel it will work in another language. It validates my work," he reasons.
For now, Nani has trained his attention on V, which is set to enjoy a digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video. As the theatre-versus-OTT debate rages on, the actor admits he will always be a fan of the big screen. "However, I am not disappointed [about the digital release] as the film is dropping in various countries."
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