Nagarjuna’s tips are a big value-addition: director Kalyan Krishna

Young director Kalyan Krishna has delivered another big hit film `Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam’ to become a sought-after director in T-town. He claims to be lucky to direct father (Nag) and son Chaitanya back-to-back and is on cloud nine. In a freewheeling chat with Hans Talkies, he talks about his career and life.

How do you feel about the stupendous success of Rarandoi….?
I feel elated since audience have appreciated a film that boasts of love and family bonding which I was banking upon. Naga Chaitanya was in his elements as the lover boy and Rakul Preet matched strides with him and their onscreen chemistry worked wonders. Nagarjuna’s confidence in the script and his valuable tips made the wholesome entertainer a big winner.

But critics dismissed it as a routine fare?
Surely, I respect critical reviews but I believe that audience verdict is final and overwhelming. We wanted to make a commercial entertainer with all ingredients and not an off-beat film, so we accommodated action, comedy and good music to give audience a `full meal’ and it was well-received as expected.

Do you think actor Chalapathi Rao’s comments at the audio function helped the film to draw openings?
It’s completely wrong, since the film already got enough hype since it was produced by a big star like Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya was acting in it and bound to draw good openings. On the other hand, I totally condemn Chalapathi’s Rao unwarranted comments and our whole team did it. Just a slip of a tongue by an actor, can’t make a film a winner, provided it has good script.

You worked with Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya back-to-back and did you discover a generation gap?
On the contrary, I found many similarities between the two since Nagarjuna is energetic and updated like an youngster and Chaitanya is a gem to work with. Similarly, both are very receptive and professional. Once you are able to convince them what you want, they are easy going. Surely, I was little hesitant while working with Nag in `Soggade…but he put me at ease and rest is history

Would you like to make commercial films or will try your hand in off-beat films?
I would like to make sensible commercial films with love and emotion as the key points and no plans to make offbeat films.

On your future projects?
Luckily, I have got a couple of good offers, but I haven’t signed anything yet. Right now I am relishing the success of Rarandoi… and on cloud nine. Meanwhile, I like to spend some quality time with my family.