Success Is Undoubtedly Overrated: Nani

Audiences are eagerly awaiting Natural Star Nani’s upcoming pan-Indian venture Dasara, which is releasing on March 30. The film marks a departure for the actor, featuring him in a violent avatar as Dharani, a ruthless ruffian leading a power struggle in the Singareni coal mines. In a conversation with Anupama Chopra, the actor shares that preparing for the role was both mentally and physically exhausting. 

“I am so happy I am done with this role because it was really taxing. It was a very intense film for me; to just be in that zone and feel what the character is feeling was very tiring. Because most of the time, these guys are drunk. Everybody drinks in that place and it is not for pleasure; it’s their way of life. They also drink and go to work in the coal mines because it is too hard. There is a certain numbness they need to perform. So, in such scenarios, when you are constantly thinking about whether the mood is right or not, it becomes mentally taxing.”

The set for the village was erected on the outskirts of Hyderabad on about 22 acres of land. Nani reveals that they had filled the land with black dust to emulate the coal mines. “So, the moment we get out of the caravan, it’s like dust is all over us. We inhaled dust throughout the day and couldn’t sleep properly at night. So, it was unbelievably tiring. Everyone used to get up but I used to feel the congestion in the chest,” the actor recalls. “So, I am done with Dharani, but I am also proud of him.”

For Nani, Dasara follows Ante Sundaraniki, which tanked at the box office despite positive reviews. Reflecting upon such situations, Nani believes that the box office outcome of a film cannot define its success. “Success is undoubtedly overrated. Take a scenario where I feel very happy with my own film but it does not do well at the box office, for instance. And compare it with another scenario where I felt my film is average but it performs extremely well. I will still be happier on the days my film is not doing well because I know it’s a good film,” says the actor. 

Dasara is Nani’s first pan-Indian project in over a decade after Rajamouli’s magnum opus Eega. The actor believes rooted rural stories with strong emotional moments are the formula for a successful pan-Indian film. “There are many fascinating stories which exist in the rural places of our country. I think it is wonderful that somebody from there is ready to narrate that story to us and we enjoy the film. It should not be like a documentary. It should be like a film, with its high points, emotions, and everything; and we also get to know their habits, culture and tradition. I think that’s extremely exciting and Dasara falls into exactly that bracket. I’m so glad that we pulled off a great film”.

Dasara releases worldwide on 30th March 2023. The film is helmed by debutante director Srikanth Odela, and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri. It also features Keerthy Suresh and Shine Tom Chacko in prominent roles.