EXCLUSIVE: Bimbisara is both a hero and a villain: Kalyanram

Nandamuri Kalyanram awaits the theatrical release of ‘Bimbisara’ on August 5. In an exclusive chit-chat with IndiaGlitz, the ‘118’ actor speaks about the movie, working with debutant director Vassishta, Jr NTR’s reaction after watching the movie, Nandamuri Balakrishna, and more.

Excerpts:

My look was sketched by artists who were given inputs by the director. The sketch helped us figure out how thick the beard has to be, how the moustache should look like, etc. I started growing hair. The kohl (‘Katuka’ in Telugu) is my wife’s idea.

When I tried the costume for the first time, I didn’t look the best way because I was a bit fatty at that time. For 45 days, I stopped trying looks until I became physically apt for the King’s role.

I have read that Bimbisara had more than 500 wives. But I didn’t learn much about him for the reason that our movie is a fictional story through and through. It has nothing to do with Bimbisara, the historical figure.

In the film, Bimbisara is both a hero and a villain. And even the climax doesn’t say what exactly he is. For that, you will have to wait for the second part. No man is completely non-violent. Bimbisara, the character, reflects human complexity.

Tarak recently watched the movie and he was excited. He told me the feel of the drama is incredible. Balayya garu is yet to watch the movie. I am going to screen it soon. He watches all our movies for sure. Right from childhood, I haven’t ever taken freedom with him because I am sort of intimidated by his presence in the room. Unless he asks me to come to him, I don’t go near him! That used to be the case with my father as well.

I am jovial with my children all the time. But when it comes to discipline, I am uncompromising. Every child needs to have a sense of fear of indiscipline.

We are planning early premiers of ‘Bimbisara’ (on the release date). I will be watching my movie with the audience at a theatre.

I believe in being on set ahead of the schedule. That gives me the time and comfort to discuss with the director the scenes I would be shooting for on the day. It’s like a good prep time.

I don’t do meditation. If I am looking calm, the reason must be something else!

I am a cent percent foodie. For ‘Bimbisara’, I had to shed oodles of weight without having to sacrifice food. My physical trainer doesn’t restrict my diet. The best part of his training is that he asks me to take healthy food. I eat Idli and Dosa in the morning. I have Basmati rice in the afternoon. Whatever I eat, I do it in moderation. I don’t eat oily foods, fried items, and sweets. I have a solid cheat meal once every fortnight. If I am not shooting for a movie, I find it impossible to stay away from cheat meals.

I used to be a topper in my studies. I have no academic interests any longer but since I am a Computer Science student, I founded a Visual Effects studio on my daughter’s name. The graphics department interests me a lot. 

As of now, no sequel to ‘Pataas’ is happening. But if Anil Ravipudi shows interest and prepares a story, I am all for it. ‘Bimbisara 2’ is happening for sure.