Chiranjeevi is my only buddy in the industry: Balayya

Nandamuri Balakrishna is on a winning streak and is currently enjoying the success of his latest release ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’. The actor shares his experience of working for the historical drama, director Krish, his son Mokshagna’s showbiz entry, and his next film. Up close and personal with the Nandamuri scion

Balakrishna is living out a fairytale. He could not have settled for anything better than ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’, as his 100th film. “For me, the thought of doing film set in period backdrop and on interesting personalities triggered from my father (NTR). I was fascinated after listening to the story of the warrior Satakarni. I remember dad and I used to discuss about several stories and what characters to be played onscreen.

He always used to tell me one thing as long as there’s curiosity on the personality, people will welcome it. I guess ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ (‘GPSK’) is a classic example of that. I’m glad that people have been showering their appreciation on us,” he shares, adding, “Moreover, since I am his son, they believe I can do justice to the role.

Satakarni is a great warrior, conquered several kingdoms, tagged his mother’s name in the prefix, and getting an opportunity to play him onscreen is a divine blessing. The film being my 100th one also added to the hoopla, but I feel this is the victory of the Telugu people.” The actor lauds director Krish’s passion for work. “Krish did a lot of groundwork before approaching me.

He had a complete vision and understanding of Satakarni’s characterisation, to what length the script has to be told, Computer Graphics, release date, etc. In fact, it was Krish who suggested that a Sankranthi release would be apt, and I liked the idea. Starting from costumes, accessories, artwork, set design, etc., he has consulted the experts in the concerned area and got them right. I have seen his earlier film ‘Kanche’, and I could see his enthusiasm and conviction, and that’s why he could answer all my queries. Guess that’s the right approach to filmmaking.”

The ‘Legend’ star admits that playing the 1st century warrior was challenging. “Since there wasn’t much data available about the film and Sathakarini, we had to imagine and improvise a lot. It took some time to understand the role, and I did work out quite a bit to get fit. However, getting into the skin of the role was a natural phenomenon, something I inherited from my dad. I don’t believe in the concept of six pack abs and people will laugh if I aspire for such a transformation.

I always believe there should be nativity in the role and that’s our culture.” There is a criticism that the story of the film has been tweaked a bit for commercial tinge. The actor clarifies, “There’s very little information available about Satakarni and we have shown that, and rest, we have taken cinematic liberties to glorify the image.” With ‘Khaidi No 150’, starring Chiranjeevi, also hitting the screens for festive season, Balayya, as his fans fondly call him, believes in healthy competition.

“We were the first to announce the release date of our film, but festival is about entertainment. I am happy that both the films are doing extremely well. Moreover, Chiranjeevi is my only buddy in the industry and we share a great camaraderie.” His forthcoming film ‘Raithu’, directed by Krishna Vamsi, has garnered a lot of curiosity, all thanks to the news that Amitabh Bachchan might be part of it. “We have narrated the script to Amitabh ji and it is a very important role that of a President of India.

The film will be based in Telangana and his character forms the crux of the plot. We asked for five days of his shoot and he said he shall contemplate after wrapping up ‘Sarkar 3’. However, we would drop the film if he’s not part of it.” And that leads to the most curious question about his son Mokshagna’s filmi debut. “He is currently doing BBA and I am planning to launch him as a hero later this year, if all goes well.

He assisted Krish for ‘GPSK’, and is also learning the nuances of the trade. He drops in on my sets and observes me, just like how I used to learn observing my dad on the sets. The script of ‘Aditya 999’ shaped up so well that Mokshagna was supposed to share screen with me, but things did not materialise. I am not sure about the genre he would be launched with, still early days, but my fans definitely not want him to be a romantic hero,” Balayya smiles.