Nandamuri Kalyanram is pinning a lot of hopes on his upcoming film, Ism, directed by Puri Jagannadh. He plays an investigative journalist in the film that will release on October 21, where he fights against corruption.
“Ism is basically a philosophy or an ideology of the film’s protagonist. We are trying to show something new — even the ending of the film is not a regular hero-kills-villain climax,” says Kalyanram.
The actor says that this film will see a new actor emerge in him. “Just a few days back, I watched the film with director Puri, and I told him that this is going to be the best for him in his career. And for me too! You can see a new avatar of Kalyanram in this film,” he claims.
Responding to a query that Puri is known for his perverted dialogues, especially against women in his films, he says, “There are no such dialogues in this film. This is a completely different film from him.”
Kalyanram has lost nearly 12 kg, to justify his character in the film. “The character I play is mentally and physically strong. So, Puri asked me to lose weight and I asked him for four months of time. I weighed 86 kg when I read the script, and now I am 74 kg,” says Kalyanram.
Talking about his six-pack abs, he says that everyone works hard these days. “Nowadays, a six-pack is not a big deal. They all go through rigorous exercises. I am probably the last person now to follow suit.”
Kalyanram added that he had to eat fish every day, to tone his body. “I don’t like fish, but for this six-pack, I had to eat fish three times a day,” he reveals.
He would also go to the gym twice a day. His family members were worried initially, but it was Puri who would encourage him every day.
Talking about his future projects, he says that nothing has been finalised. “I have a lot of hopes on Ism. I haven’t signed any film yet, as I am listening to scripts. For me, the story is very important,” he says.
Vakkantham Vamsi’s project with Kalyan-ram’s brother, Jr NTR, though officially announced, was later kept on hold. “Yes, we are not satisfied with the script, so we have put it on hold,” confirms Kalyanram.
Did he tell Vamsi that? “Yes, why not? I always believe in one thing — be open with everyone for friendship to remain strong,” says Kalyanram.
“Earlier, I faced negative consequences for being soft and liberal. Now, I am always frank with everyone,” he adds.
Talking about sharing projects with his brother, Jr NTR, he affirms, “Yes, we share not only films, but everything.”
