Sundar Is An Innocent Cunning Fellow: Nani

Natural Star Nani and Nazriya Nazim starrer Ante Sundaraniki is all set for release on 10th of this month. The film is directed by Vivek Athreya under Mythri Movie Makers banner. Nani interacted with media to share interesting aspects about the movie.

How’s your journey with Vivek Athreya? What’s your first impression when he narrated the story?
Many suggest why doing movies with 2 or 3 film old directors, as there is risk involved in them. When Vivek Athreya came to narrate me the story, I had a gut feeling that, he would become a top director. His writing and direction are incomparable. It gives more satisfaction to work with future leading directors, rather than working with present top directors. Vivek Athreya is a gem. He’s got his original style. Nobody can be able to make the movie like him, though they are given this story. I feel happy to work with a talented director like Vivek.

How do you judge, as new directors will not have a body of work?
I too didn’t have body of work when I was very new to the industry. I created my own body of work, and I reached this stage. I should also encourage such talent. If I feel someone is worthy, I don’t think much to give them the chance.

Will your comedy timing be different in Ante Sundaraniki?
My comedy timing will be different in Ante Sundaraniki. I haven’t done such role earlier. It’s totally different from the dialogue template of my previous movies. You’ll see new Nani and new timing.

Did you do any homework to play a Brahmin guy?
When we are playing peculiar characters like Brahmin guy, we dramatize more. But that’s not the case with Ante Sundaraniki. Vivek Athreya comes from a traditional Brahmin family. You’ll see authentic atmosphere all over. You will feel like being with the characters, while watching the movie.

How did you prepare to play the innocent Sundar in the movie?
Playing innocent characters is very easy. However, the innocence of Sundar is different level. The statutory warning you see for the movie is: Sundar doesn’t drink and smoke, so you can follow him for these two things. You can understand the real nature of Sundar with this. Vivek Athreya while narrating the subject told me that, Sundar is a worst fellow sir, but we love him in every frame,” that’s the magic of the character. Sundar is an innocent cunning fellow.

Yours’ is a love marriage. Did you face any problems?
Mine is a very happy marriage. Both the families gave nod for our marriage. However, theirs’s is a scientists’ family, while I’m a cinema person. Initially, they had their own inhibitions.

Who’s decision was to cast Nazriya for Leela’s character?
I and Vivek both wanted to have Nazriya Nazim for the role. When we approached her with the script, she happily accepted to be part of the project, since she liked the character and the subject. She refused many big projects before. When we recently went to Kochi for Ante Sundaraniki’s promotions, we stayed at Nazriya and Fahadh’s house.

What do you say about ticket rates?
I want to clarify one thing here that. I wanted normal ticket prices, wherein the prices were reduced, during covid times. It’s tough for the survival of theatres with the less ticket prices. However, for movies like RRR, hike in ticket rates is must.

Did you ever have the wish of flying to USA?
I didn’t have such wish, but the character Sundar has the wish. You’ll know about it when you watch the movie.

Is there any inspiration of Barrister Parvateesam for this movie?
Not at all. However, we took the inspiration for the panchakattu of Sundar. That particular scene will be hilarious in theatres.

How doe sit feel to work with Mythri Movie Makers?
It’s a leading production house that is making many successful movies. Naveen and Ravi are very passionate producers. Our journey started with Gang Leader that impressed classes as well as masses. I wish Ante Sundaraniki will also become a blockbuster.

Do you have any plans of doing Pan India movies?
It’s not we, but the audience need to feel that our movie has the Pan India appeal. The content needs to be very strong. Let’s take Pushpa as an example. The story happens in South India and thers no connection with North. However, entire India watched the movie. We first need to concentrate on the content. It doesn’t mean sense for us to write Pan India on posters.

Is there any influence of Maro Charitra and Seethakoka Chiluka on Ante Sundaraniki?
No. Ante Sundaraniki is a very refreshing heart-warming movie.

What do you say about the rumours of Ante Sundaraniki to release on OTT in 3 weeks?
There’s no truth in it. The movie will release only after it completes 7 weeks run in theatres.

What’s the status of Dasara?
The movie has been completed 25% so far. It’s a powerful raw movie.

Tell us about the films coming from your banner?
Meet Cute will have direct digital release. We’ll soon announce the release date. Hit 2 will be of grand scale. Sesh scored a big hit with Major. Hit 2 is no less than that. We’ll continue to make movies on the franchise.