Nani interview: ‘HIT 3’ does not glorify violence; we show the repercussions-OxBig News Network

Studio 5 at Annapurna Studios Annexe, Hyderabad, has been transformed into mini sets that resemble interrogation rooms. The props range from pliers, knives and saws, to handcuffs and chains. An art director generously fills a tray with fake blood that is used in films, and sprinkles some on the table for added effect. These are the designated spaces for media interactions for director Sailesh Kolanu’s Telugu film HIT 3, starring actor-producer Nani as a ruthless cop named Arjun Sarkaar.

Nani swiftly surveys the arrangements and checks if the lighting is sufficient, and says, “The teaser and trailer have given people an idea of what to expect from the film. I wanted interviews to be conducted in set-ups that reflect the film’s mood, and my team was game to execute it.” 

HIT 3 is the third film in the HIT universe, featuring Nani as a cop from Andhra Pradesh’s fictional Homicide Intervention Team. During the trailer launch, Nani had asserted that this is not a film for children. 

A complete picture

The promos have sparked discussions on whether the film celebrates violence. “Not at all,” says Nani. “Arjun is portrayed as a character with different shades. He knows nothing outside of work and is, in fact, vulnerable. The nature of his work, tracking down criminals, frustrates him and there are times when he crosses the line during interrogations. When he does that, we show the repercussions. We have tried to present a complete picture and not glorify his actions.”

Nani in the film
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

HIT: The First Case, produced by Nani’s production house Wall Poster Cinema, was a moody whodunnit led by Vishwak Sen as a cop dealing with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). HIT: The Second Case featured Adivi Sesh as a laidback cop rising to a challenge. Both were whodunnits. HIT 3 is a ‘how’ rather than a whodunnit, with higher stakes.

Nani’s previous film, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram directed by Vivek Athreya, marked the beginning of a phase of larger-than-life action entertainers in his career. The actor describes HIT 3 as a crime thriller with action. His next, The Paradise directed by Dasara-fame Srikanth Odela, is an ambitious action drama. “However, none of these films are alike.”

For an actor who became a household name with endearing comedies, romances and emotional dramas, this is a departure. Nani looks at this phase as another learning curve. “With each of my films, the budgets are going up and I am getting the opportunity to explore stories that can be narrated on a bigger canvas. Action dramas have an edge. The cost of producing Dasara was higher than that of Hi Nanna, and a larger section of the audience looks forward to action films. With HIT 3 and The Paradise, the intention is to offer a good theatrical experience. Family dramas like Hi Nanna can be enjoyed equally in theatres and on digital platforms, but action films call for a large-screen experience.”

The charm of comedies

He is quick to clarify that this does not mean he is closing the doors to emotional dramas such as Jersey or Hi Nanna. “By the time these action films are done, I hope people will miss watching me in comedies and emotional stories and I will do them again. It would be boring to do the same kind of films. I am always listening to stories and eager to choose a good one, irrespective of the genre.” He adds that he is game to do a full-fledged comedy.

Nani recalls his 2015 blockbuster comedy film Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, “It released the same year as Baahubali – the Beginning. But it did so well and the return on investment was huge. Even in Ante Sundaraniki, people enjoyed watching the smaller moments of humour. Comedy works wonders when done right.”

His string of successes in recent years, as an actor and a producer, has made Nani one of the most popular choices for digital platforms that are increasingly getting selective about the films they acquire. Post the successful theatrical run, Hi Nanna topped the Netflix charts for weeks. His recent production, Court, is another example. Ask Nani if this puts him under pressure to deliver each time and he says, “I don’t consider it as pressure. My intention has always been to deliver a good film in Telugu and ensure that the dubbed versions are also of high quality, since there is an audience for my work in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and other regions.”

Srinidhi Shetty and Nani in ‘HIT 3’
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

He pauses to reflect on the notion that of late, he is going all out to capture the pan-India market. “I promote my films in other regions since there is an audience, not because I think my film will become another Baahubali or Pushpa.”

In film circles, Nani is credited for having the tenacity to work long hours without complaints. His wife, entrepreneur Anjana Yelavarthy, reveals that in the 18 years she has known him, she has never seen him get worked up about a character or a film. “He goes to work with enthusiasm. Sometimes I wonder how someone could love their work so much, to the extent of letting go of sleep or a regular schedule.” 

Nani reacts with a smile, “Nothing excites me more than being on a film set and watching an idea take shape. I feel lost when I am not working. A boring day on set tires me out. Normally when film units want to extend the hours of work, they request the lead actor and then inform the others if they get a go ahead. In my case, they don’t ask me; they go ahead and extend it since they know I would not mind it.”

At the edit table

Anjana also discloses that if there is an aspect of filmmaking that gets him anxious, it is the post production. Nani explains, “After filming for seven to eight months, the editing table is where we know how the film is shaping up. If one aspect does not fall in place, it sets off a chain reaction. Editing and direction teams usually work long hours. The lack of sleep and constantly looking at the footage can make them lose objectivity. In such cases, they call me. Since I am looking at the footage from a fresh perspective, my judgement might be better. I would like to be available when they require help.”

He points out how unlike Hollywood where the release date is decided after a film is complete, here film units decide a release date and then work towards it. “This means we are taking crucial decisions at the rush hour during post production. So I go through a phase of excitement with anxiety.” 

Nani in ‘HIT 3’
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Nani is proud of what writer-director Sailesh Kolanu has managed to achieve in HIT 3. Sailesh debuted as director with HIT, directed HIT 2 and later, Saindhav starring Venkatesh. The last film was a cold turkey at the box office and was also critically panned. At an event, Sailesh recalled how Nani had called him after watching Saindhav, and a half an hour conversation was enough to rejuvenate him. “I did not give him pep talk,” says Nani. “I am aware of his potential. With all my directors, it is like a family and we are aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. More than box office results, what should matter within our close knit group is whether we are aware that we have not delivered to our potential. Our conversation was mostly on those lines.”

A few years ago, Nani had confessed that his biggest fear is failing to adapt to cater to a newer audience. The trick to staying relevant, says Nani, is not to rest on laurels. “In any profession, it is important to focus on what we have to do next. I cannot slack off thinking that I have done films such as Jersey, Shyam Singha Roy and Dasara. It is important to let go of baggage, feel light and start fresh.”