An Exclusive Interview With Naresh

Allari Naresh is one of the rare artistes who won acclaim and recognition with his debut film so much so that the name of the movie became his first name! Despite hailing from a film family (he is the son of successful director E V V Satyanarayana) he wanted to make it on his own steam without any help from his family. This attitude came as a blessing when Pranam bombed at the box-office and the actor simply took it in his stride instead of letting depression take hold. Today the actor hits the screen again in a role with a difference in Nenu (with the tagline of ‘at 21 every day it’s a war’), which is a remake of the Tamil hit movie Kadal Konden.

  Nenu.. songs

Nenu.. Review

What is your role in Nenu?
I play the role of an orphan who is barely alive. He has no one to care for him, no relationships to speak of and subsequently he is a ‘dead’ person in the sense that he is simply incapable of any emotion be it joy or sorrow.

It does sound weird. Why did you take the risk when you are known as a comedian?
Just because I did comedy in Allari it doesn’t mean that I cannot do anything else. I am an actor at heart. and I am capable of doing any role that is assigned to me. I am not an actor who loves images. I want to be known simply as Naresh. I make sure that every role of mine is different.

Allari branded you in a particular slot. Will people be able to accept you in any other role?
Why not? In fact the audience will be startled at my appearance, which is in complete contrast to my earlier film. This is a special movie, which should be viewed from the heart because the raw emotion is very special.

  What made you accept this role?
I saw the Tamil original Kadal Konden. I liked it, because it had good scope for acting. I found it extremely challenging. Then I met Selva Raghavan, the writer of the movie and analysed the character in detail.

  Are remakes less risky in general?
No. A hit movie in some other language does not guarantee success in Telugu too. Remaking does not mean copying the original frame by frame. It entails knowing the pulse of the local audience and adding the necessary flavour.

  How about the treatment of the movie?
The screenplay and the treatment of the subject play a key role in this movie. Today’s audience wants everything at top speed. There is no place for dramatisation. Speed is the key.

  Veda is the new local Andhra girl making her debut. Tell us about her.
I have known her for the last four years. We were classmates in Intermediate. She always wanted to be an actress. We did a photo session and found she suited the role perfectly. Besides she is a good dancer and learnt the ropes fast.

  Working with a friend must have been fun!
Sure it was. However, in some scenes we were uncomfortable, as we know each other so well. Particularly the romantic scenes. However, to have a pal as a co-star is fun.

  What is coming up next?
Hold your breath… I am going to play a villain in a movie.
......dc