As Deva Das is ready for a release this Thursday, we caught up with Akkineni Nagarjuna for a detailed interview. Here is the transcript.
What attracted you towards this film?
The moment I heard the script, I understood that the film will have hilarious chemistry between me and Nani. Deva Das will have Munna Bhai MBBS kind of comedy which is narrated in good spirits by Aditya.
About your role in the film?
I play a don but my whereabouts or negative deals in business are not at all showcased in the film. I meet Nani, who is a doctor and become friends with him. How we transform each other and the way we end our journies is the whole story of the film.
Working experience with Nani?
Personally, I did not know Nani much but from what I have seen on screen and on the sets, he is a very professional actor. Our chemistry will be a massive highlight of the film as the audience will just love Deva and Das characters completely.
Why are you doing more multi-starrers these days?
I have come to an age where I cannot do more lead roles now. The subjects that can be written for my age are limited these days and this is where multi-starrers bring a new dimension to our careers. This is the reason I am doing films with Dhanush and Ranbir Kapoor in Hindi.
When can we see you in mature roles?
Personally, I myself don’t see my age beyond 30. I have been working out for the last 30 years and manage to look and think young. I feel that still there is time to do all those roles.
Your association with Vyjayanthi Movie?
We go a long way back and they have made some of the top hits in the industry. They were the ones who gave me so many hits in my career and its good that I am doing Aswini Dutt’s comeback film.
Your reaction to Sumanth’s look as ANR?
For a moment, I did not recollect who it was. Sumanth looks top notch as ANR. Maybe as he grew up with my dad, he resembles so much like him. Krish has done a good job with him and I am excited to see him on screen.
Why did you make a special AV about Nani’s mobile addiction?
The moment I see Nani, he is on his phone. I feel that he has a disease of looking at his phone all the time. Not only him but many others in the country have the same disease. They just do not bother what is happening around them and are in their own world which is quite scary.
Future projects?
Manmadhudu 2 is being scripted and so is a film with Rahul Ravindran. Things are at an early stage and it will take some time for me to announce the film.
