Ace filmmaker KS Ravikumar, who is directing Tollywood star Balakrishna’s next film, recalled his association with the actor and his legendary dad, NT Rama Rao, at the trailer launch of the Tamil version of Krish-directed Gautami Putra Satakarni.
“I watched the Telugu version in Chennai even before I had signed my film with him in Telugu. I could not believe it when the makers told me that Krish had completed the historical film with such grandeur. It was shot at real palace locations in Georgia and Morocco in 79 days. When I started a historical film, Raana, with Rajini sir, where he had three roles to play, we planned for 276 days! That, however, didn’t materialise. Perhaps, I should learn from Krish,” remarked KSR.
The Padayappa director said, “Balakrishna sir is always punctual to the shoot. I think he has inherited this trait from his iconic father, NT Rama Rao sir.”
Recalling an interesting incident about NTR senior’s punctuality, which was shared by the late Nagesh while he was shooting for Avvai Shanmugi, KSR said, “Nagesh was busy with Tamil and Telugu films, during his heyday. Once he was to catch an early morning flight to Hyderabad to join NTR sir for a shoot, but got delayed reaching the airport. When he boarded the aircraft — much to his shock — he saw NTR as Lord Krishna, replete with heavy jewellery and the crown, sitting right at front! NTR had apparently said, ‘By the time we reach Hyderabad and the location, we will lose two hours. So, to save time and start the shoot on time, I have come prepared.’ That was the kind of dedication he had.”
