Krishna is one of the most difficult roles I’ve ever played: Nani

For the third time in his career, actor Nani plays a dual role in Krishnarjuna Yuddham (KAY). The two characters -- Krishna and Arjun -- are completely in contrast with each other and will showcase the versatility of the MCA actor. “Unlike my previous films Janda Pai Kapiraju and Gentleman where the two roles have a connection with one another, the roles in KAY have no relation to each other at all. What’s more interesting is that they cross paths and unite again for a common task,” says Nani.

The 34-year-old actor makes it clear that playing Krishna was really challenging for him. “Krishna is one of the most difficult roles I’ve ever played as it required me to master the Chittoor diction. The first day of the shoot was completely an unsettling experience. After seeing the rushes, everyone on the sets clapped and then I gained confidence, convinced that I brought authenticity to my character. Director Merlapaka Gandhi has etched this role in a humorous way and the audience will fall in love with his dialogues.”

With eight back-to-back hits to his kitty, Nani is one of the most sought-after stars of Telugu cinema. Ask him how he developed the skill of choosing good scripts, and he says, “I go by my gut feeling. I know that success is not permanent. I am really happy with the way things are going for me and I happen to have eight hits under my belt. But I know there may come a day when I taste failure. I’m always prepared for the worst and ready to accept change. What will be disappointing is if I’m still the same as I was in my debut film Ashta Chemma and don’t evolve as an actor with each film.”

KAY is releasing on April 12, just eight days ahead of the Mahesh Babu-starrer Bharat Ane Nenu. But, Nani says he is not too concerned about his film only getting a narrow unchallenged run at the box-office and instead wishes that every film releasing this season turns out to be a winner. “When Baahubali: The Beginning released and became a humongous hit, the atmosphere at the ticket window was booming. That film induced more audience to come to the theatres and helped films like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy. This season, we have Ram Charan’s Rangasthalam running to packed houses, and now that my film and Bharat Ane Nenu releasing, I wish to see a similar feat again.”

Nani is excited to work with Nagarjuna in his next. “Nagarjuna garu has joined the sets recently and it was an amazing experience. We hit it off really well and it feels like I’m working with an actor of my own generation. Contrary to some reports, we are not playing brothers. It’s going to be another interesting character in my career. The second schedule is currently underway,” he says.

On his upcoming films, he says, “About five films are in the scripting stage and I haven’t decided on which film to start next. I will take a call once I wrap up my project with Nagarjuna garu.”