Even as Nandamuri Balakrishna is enjoying the success of his latest film, Gautamiputra Satakarni, in home ground, he is all set to leave for the US to thank his NRI fans — what with the film being received very well overseas, making it one of the best films abroad, for Balakrishna!
“Director Krish approached me with the entire plan and complete conviction, and the very same day, he informed me that he plans a Sankranti release for the film,” says Balakrishna, talking about the journey from the start.
“He narrated a few lines of the story. Since we had very few historic facts about Satakarni, we added imaginary scenes to back those facts,” elaborates the actor.
Healthy competition
Talking about the Sankranti release and competing with Chiranjeevi’s film, he explains, “We first announced that it will release on Sankranti. In my opinion, competition is always good as it gives an opportunity to work harder with all sincerity. Also, competition between films during a festival is quite natural in the industry, and it’s a healthy one.
Personally, Chiranjeevi is the only actor I am very close to in this industry. Earlier, when I had time in hand, I used to meet people, but now since I don’t have the time, I have not been able to socialise much with the people in the industry,” he comments, adding that he meets only those with whom he works.
“I am quite busy with my constituency as an MLA, the cancer hospital I run and then my films. So, I don’t have many friends in the industry,” he adds.
Balakrishna refers to other actors appreciating his work and praising the film on social media, and says that the industry has taken the success well.
Acting with son and other stars
Throwing light on his son Mokhagna’s debut, the actor says, “We are planning to launch him towards the year end as he is training now. He worked as an assistant director for GPSK, but returned midway as he had to focus on his studies.”
Delving into his interest in multi-starrers, he admits, “Yes, I am planning a multi-starrer with another actor. I don’t want to reveal his name yet, but I can say that it is a mythological film.”
Talking about the film Aditya 999, a sequel to his earlier, Aditya 369, the actor says the film is on the cards. “The subject is almost ready and we have to finalise a few scenes. In this film, I and my son Mokshu will act together,” reveals Balakrishna.’
When will Big B give his nod?
His upcoming film, Rythu, now awaits Amitabh Bachchan’s nod! “I met him and he responded positively. He said that he will discuss it once he completes Sarkar. In the meantime, I want to show GPSK to him. For Rythu, we will need nearly a week’s schedule from Big B. We will shelve it if we don’t get his ‘Yes’,” asserts Balakrishna. Incidentally, Amitabh Bachchan has been offered the role of the Indian President in the film.
Why so serious?
When asked why he appears serious always and why people fear him, he says, “People assume that I am a serious man. It is not true. I am a jovial person and I mingle with people. Even at home, my kids imitate my acting and they tell me their views about my films. For this film, they haven’t said a single
negative thing,” concludes the actor.
