In his latest movie ‘Dasara’, Telugu actor Nani dons a rugged look. His fans were thrilled when the first look poster of the movie was out. His blackened face, unkempt hair, sunglasses, the smoking beedi on his lips, shabby shirt and trousers with a locket of Lord Hanuman around his neck and his belt made of alcohol bottles had excited the admirers. Nani, meanwhile, gets candid to Manorama, talking about his first pan-India movie ‘Dasara’ which is also his biggest movie in a career spanning a decade and a half. Like his fans, Nani too is excited for the release of the movie on 30 March.
The movie takes place against the backdrop of the Singareni coal mine at Godarkani in Telangana and the nearby hamlet of Veerappalli. Interestingly, this is the biggest coal mine in Asia. The entire population of the village depends on this mine for their livelihood. Interestingly, the director of the movie Sreekant Odela hails from this region. Moreover, his father had worked as a driver at the mine for more than forty years. His experiences with the coal mine had helped the actors and the crew members immensely. Nani says that his character in the movie too is associated with the coal mine. Meanwhile, the belt made of alcohol bottles is called ‘Pavva’ in local language. These bottles would have one and half pegs of alcohol. The poor labourers often rely on alcohol to escape from the severe heat and the pathetic working conditions in the coal mine.
Shine Tom has played a pivotal role in ‘Dasara’?
Shine plays the role of Chinna Thambi in the movie. The character required a unique kind of energy. Shine has delivered a scintillating performance. He surprised us with his performance in many scenes. He even managed to by-heart all the dialogues.
You are completing fifteen years in movies?
It would be fifteen years in September this year since my debut movie ‘Ashta Chamma’ got released. I am happy that I have always enjoyed my job. My only wish is to become part of amazing movies.
Most of your heroines are Keralites?
Female artists from Kerala rule the cinema industry, right? Other industries rope them in as they are incredibly talented. There are lots of talented actresses in the Malayalam cinema industry. In ‘Dasara’, Keerthi Suresh plays the female lead.
Telugu cinema made it big at the Oscars?
Telugu cinema had been nurturing the Indian cinema industry for the last few years. The Telugu filmdom has produced many movies that became immensely popular and has now become a leading movie industry in the country. Telugu cinema has been breaking language barriers and making waves across the world.
Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya are close friends?
I and Nazriya began our friendship when we started acting together. They would always visit my house whenever they are in Hyderabad. Similarly, my first call would be to their phones as soon as I land in Kochi.
