Nani had two hits (Ashta Chemma and Ride) out of three films he acted in so far. He has three more releases this year. His latest movie Bheemili (Kabaddi Jattu) is releasing on 9 July. Nani speaks at length about Bheemili and reveals more information about his new movies. Here are the excerpts -

Tell us about Bheemili (Kabaddi Jattu) movie?
It is a film with sports backdrop and it’s a realistic movie. I had done unrealistic and highly energetic roles in my movies so far. But Bheemili is a film that doesn’t have any filmy moments. I am very proud of doing this movie.

Tell us about your character?
I am doing the role of Suri Babu who is genuine and pure at heart. He is crazy about Kabaddi game. He is mostly like a substitute (like 12th man in Cricket) in Bheemili’s Kabaddi team. Though it is a sports-based movie, there is a realistic and cute love story for Suri Babu.

Does Bheemili look like a typical remake/dubbed movie or straight/fresh one?
Being an assistant director myself, I have an orientation of looking beyond movie when I watch a film. When I watched the Tamil original, it was so gripping that I submitted myself to storytelling and watched movie like an innocent moviegoer. I was expecting same kind of treatment without missing our nativity when Telugu version was made. The Tamil version’s producer saw the rushes of high points in the movie and he opined that they are better than the original. He liked the Telugu version better than that of Tamil.

Tell us about the director Satya?
When Satya came to cast to me in this movie, he was mostly conversing in English and I wondered if he could do justice to Bheemili which has raw village backdrop. Then he has shown me the kind of home work he has done with auditions. I was really impressed. He shot trails with new actors for each and every character. He did a brilliant job with Bheemili movie.

Tell us about the female lead Saranya Mohan?
She worked for the Tamil original. It was a tailor-made role for her. And we couldn’t think of a better alternative. Her work will grow on you as the movie progresses.

You saw the final version. What is your gut feel?
I can’t brag about the commercial success of the movie. But I can surely say that I am proud of doing this movie. It is a special film and a one that is close to my heart.

Tell us about your next Telugu release ‘Ala Modalaindi’?
It is completely contrasting to Bheemili movie. I am doing a fun and talkative character. There is something to laugh throughout the movie. It is a chick flick which is about the magical moments. My friend Nandini Reddy is directing it.

Tell us about your Tamil venture?
I am doing a Tamil film titled Veppam. This is the first production of ace director Gowtam Menon. It is being directed by my friend Anjana Ali Khan. It is an intense hard hitting film about slums in Chennai. It is shaping up for September/October release.

What is the reason for doing films with female directors?
Both Nandini and Anjana are my friends from the days when we worked as assistant directors. Three of us went to Goa International film festival in 2006 together. We decided that we would go to Goa film festival again only after one of us becomes a director. I entered into acting and incidentally I am acting in both of these girls’ movies. Three of us will be doing to international film festival at Goa this year end.

Tell us about your future projects?
I am listening to various stories. Nothing is confirmed, yet.

Source: IB