Nandamuri Balakrishna starrer NTR Kathanayakudu is all set to hit screens on January 9th. On this occasion, we had a brief interview with NBK. Here is the transcript.
Q) When did you decide to make a film on your father NT Rama Rao?
A) Last year, I went to my father’s native village Nimmakuru to inaugurate a renovated hospital. While addressing the media, I don’t know what made me say it, but I made an announcement regarding this project. I think that my parents blessed me to do this project.
Q) Regarding the change of director after the film’s official launch?
A) We started the project on a positive note. But unfortunately, the then director Teja left the project as he felt he cannot handle such a massive project. Later, I decided to direct the film myself, but Krish came to me and asked me if he could direct the project. Since we both worked for GPSK earlier, I know Krish’s working style and gave him the green signal immediately.
Q) How did you wrap up the shoot in such a less time?
A) It’s all planning and teamwork. As I said earlier, everything just happened for this film and we never faced difficulties while shooting. I always believed that my father’s soul is around us and pushed us to make this film possible.
Q) About portraying your father’s role?
A) I never felt any pressure and thoroughly enjoyed playing my father’s role. In fact, it is my most easiest role till date, as I grew up watching him closely. So there is nothing which I don’t know about his aura. Personally, NTR was not only my father but also my source of inspiration and his life has a strong impact on me.
Q) A few words about your director Krish?
A) We both share a good rapport and the wavelength between us has set in a proper manner. Whether it is Gautamiputra Satakarni or this film, he used to work every day by taking it as a challenge. It is his dedication and commitment which made us (artistes) perform in an even better way.
Q) Did Vidhya Balan reach your expectations?
A) Yes. She did brilliant acting in the role of my mother Basavatarakam. She immediately said okay to do this project after a single narration. I would like to specially thank her for accepting our film. She did complete justice to her role.
Q) Tell us about Rana Daggubati?
A) He did a good job in his role as Chandrababu Naidu. Not only him, all other artistes like Rakul Preet, Hansika, Shriya, Nithya Menen never bothered about their role’s screentime. Artistes like Bharath Reddy and many others did important roles in the film.
Q) Finally, are you happy with the way the film has shaped up?
A) As a producer and an actor, I’m totally satisfied with the film’s output. Rest is in the audiences’ hands. They are the final judges. I hope they will come out of the theaters with a nice experience.
