As the release of the much-anticipated period thriller KA draws near, actors Nayan Sarika and Tanvi Ram talked to the media about the many aspects of their film. Directed by debutants Sujith and Sandeep and starring Kiran Abbavaram in the lead role, KA is set to hit theaters on October 31. The film promises an emotional, mind-bending narrative, with its period setting, twists, and suspense to captivate audiences. In their candid conversation, Nayan and Tanvi reflected on their coincidental casting experiences, challenges during production, and the collaborative spirit on set.
Both Nayan and Tanvi had unexpectedly similar casting stories that reflect their dedication to the film despite significant personal challenges. For Nayan, the opportunity came when she was already occupied with the shooting of another film, AAY, in Amalapuram. “I just got a four-day break, but I was really sick and had to travel to Hyderabad for treatment. While I was admitted in the hospital, I received a call for a look test,” Nayan recounted. Despite her condition, she decided to attend the test and soon after, she was officially cast in the role of Satyabhama. “It all happened so quickly, they locked me in and narrated the story in detail.”
Similarly, Tanvi faced her own hurdles. “I had Dengue fever, and my platelet count had dropped to 30,000. It took me nearly a month to recover, and the team patiently waited all that time,” Tanvi shared. Once she felt better, she attended the narration and instantly connected with her character, Radha. “Before the full narration was even over, I knew I wanted to do this role. It’s an intense character with great scope to perform.” Tanvi’s previous works include the Malayalam films 2018 and Mukundan Unni Associates, which received plenty of audience appreciation.
The actors highlighted the significance of the period setting in KA, which recreates the essence of a 1970s village called Krishnapatnam. “The village tells a story in itself,” Tanvi noted, praising the production team’s attention to detail. “From costumes to artwork, everything immerses you in the era. Even the bindi my character wears was carefully thought out.”
Nayan elaborated on the difference between her role in KA and her previous work in AAY and Gam Gam Ganesh. “My character in KA, Satyabhama, is traditional and culturally rooted. She is very different from the modern and extroverted characters I’ve played before. It was exciting to explore such a subtle yet real character.”
When asked about the comparison of her portrayal with legendary actor Savitri, Nayan admitted it wasn’t something she was initially aware of. “That is more the directors’ department. But I’ve watched Mahanati and studied Savitri gaaru’s performances. They took some visual references from her look,” she said. Nayan also revealed that her ability to cry naturally during a crucial emotional scene helped cement the comparison. “I did the scene in a single take, and my director commented that it proved the dialogue they wrote about me and Savitri gaaru (laughs).”
The cast also shared their admiration for lead actor Kiran Abbavaram, praising his dedication and supportive nature. “There were action scenes during the climax where he could have easily used a body double, but he insisted on doing them himself,” Tanvi revealed. “He wanted everything to feel as real as possible. It’s rare to see that level of commitment.”
Nayan and Tanvi both emphasised the strong camaraderie that developed among the cast and crew. “We’ve become like a family. Kiran is incredibly encouraging and makes everyone feel supported on set, whether it’s the directors, co-stars, or crew members.”
The actors credited directors Sujith and Sandeep for their clear vision, which made the filmmaking process smooth and efficient. “From day one, they knew exactly what they wanted,” Tanvi shared. “They had a precise idea of how my character, Radha, should look. Every detail, including the character’s appearance and mannerisms, was thoughtfully planned.”
Nayan echoed the sentiment, praising the director duo’s storytelling prowess. “The screenplay and climax are so well-crafted. KA has a universal theme that everyone can connect with, and it will surprise the audience in the end,”
With just days to go before its release, KA has already generated buzz with its promise of a gripping story in a period setting. Both Nayan Sarika and Tanvi Ram expressed their excitement for audiences to experience the film’s twists and emotional depth.