In HIT 3, you’re seen playing a 45-year-old character. How did you come to terms with taking up a role older than your actual age?
Nani: Honestly, I think it’s refreshing. Most actors, including myself, often end up playing characters in their late 20s or early 30s regardless of our real age. But when I read the HIT 3 script, the idea of playing a 45-year-old felt different. I liked the shift in perspective, and it made the character more grounded and real.
Age stereotypes are strong in the film industry. Was there any insecurity in breaking away from that template?
Nani: I actually feel the opposite. I’m excited to turn 60. I believe that the older I get, the more layered and substantial roles will come my way. There’s a certain freedom in shedding that age-related insecurity. When you stop trying to look younger on screen, you unlock new kinds of stories and characters.
So, are you saying you're looking forward to roles like Amitabh Bachchan's 'Sarkar' in the future?
Nani: Absolutely! I’d love to play something like Sarkar. Those are the roles that challenge you, and more importantly, satisfy the actor in you. When I turn 60, I want to be part of stories that reflect maturity, power, and emotional depth. That’s where I see myself heading.
What do you think about the industry's resistance to let senior heroes play their age?
Nani: I think it’s changing. Look at Mammootty or Mohanlal – they’ve redefined what aging in cinema looks like. They’re doing commercial films and age-appropriate roles with equal ease. If our Telugu industry allows stars like Chiranjeevi garu or Balakrishna garu to explore these kinds of roles, audiences will welcome them with open arms.
Do you believe audiences are ready for their favorite stars to age on screen?
Nani: Definitely. Audiences have matured. They want meaningful cinema. They’ll always love the mass moments, but they also appreciate depth, emotion, and realism. When actors embrace their age on screen, they become more relatable and open the door to richer storytelling.
Who among the five children was the naughtiest in childhood? Anjanamma: I think Chiranjeevi was the naughtiest among the lot. Chiranjeevi: Amma, please know the difference between playful, lively, naughty, and enthusiastic, and answer the question. I have a good image in public. Please don't ruin it by saying I was naughty. On whom among the five children did you focus the most? Naga
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Disha, can you tell us about the challenging underwater scene you shot for Raja Shivaji? Disha Pardeshi: It was definitely one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had. When I first joined the film, I wasn’t told that I would have to do an underwater sequence for such long hours. I was simply asked if I could swim, but I had no idea the scene would be so intense. It wasn’t just about swimming; I had to perform underwater for nearly 12 hours without using an oxygen mask, which required a lot
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How did participating in The Traitors affect you emotionally? Lakshmi Manchu: It hit me like a whack. I had no idea what I was signing up for emotionally. I’m someone who genuinely enjoys meeting new people and making friends. But suddenly, I was in a game where those people were talking behind my back. After the show, I actu
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What can audiences expect from #Single? Sri Vishnu: This is a laugh-riot from start to finish. The screenplay and story are fresh, with a beautiful love angle. It’s a clean entertainer for both youngsters and families. How does it feel working with Geetha Arts for the first time? Sri Vishnu: It’s a dream come true. I always wanted to work with Geetha Arts. This genre suits me, and doing i
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fter the humongous success of RRR, another film that is pitched to bring about a storm in the pan-India market is Prashanth Neel’s KGF Chapter 2, starring Yash. If its predecessor, which garnered an enormous fan following at the time of its release in 2018, is anything to go by, the upcoming Kannada-language action film is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The director and actor d
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The censor was completed yesterday. How was the report? We received a very positive report. Everyone enjoyed the film thoroughly. It is a clean movie with full family fun. The board clearly mentioned that it is a film that children and families can watch together. Two big stars are coming together. What has been the response after the trailer release? Fans of both stars are enjoying it a lot. The response on social media has been fantastic. Chiranjeevi garu and Venkatesh garu worked together ver
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Priyadarshi interacted with the media and shared insights about the making of Mithra Mandali, his experiences on set, and why he believes this movie will connect deeply with audiences. Did Anudeep and Vijayender write this story together? Anudeep, Vijay, Aditya Hasan, and Kalyan Shankar were all roommates. It’s tough to say who influenced whom since th
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How does it feel to bring films back-to-back with Vijay Antony? Vijay Antony and I have been friends for a long time. After Morgan’s success, we wanted to continue our journey together. Now, with BhadraKali ready for release, and other projects like Booki and Full Bottle in progress, our banners are producing back-to-back films. How did BhadraKal
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How does it feel to be making an action-adventure film like Ghaati in your 20th year in filmmaking? It’s very exciting. The character of Sheelavathi in Ghaati is amazing. I’ve never done anything like this before. Sheelavathi is a character with many beautiful shades, and this film takes me out of my comfort zone. It's a strong role, just like the ones I’ve done in
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How does it feel to do your first horror film? I’ve mostly done mass commercial entertainers so far, but personally I love different genres like horror. When Kaushik narrated Kishkindhapuri, I was immediately drawn to it. It’s a story that gives audiences a fresh cinematic experience. We recently watched it in theaters for the first time and it was mind-blowing, especially the soun
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