Allari Naresh's 'Naandhi' will hit the screens on February 19. The actor has put behind 'Bangaru Bullodu' and is looking forward to the release of the serious movie. He says that 'Naandhi' highlights a less-known legal tool that is available to all citizens.

In this interview, catch Naresh talk about his 57th movie, why it is special, what he intends to do from now as an actor and more.

A flavour of realism

A section of the audience complains that realistic movies of the kind made in Mollywood don't come out in Tollywood. I am confident that 'Naandhi' is going to impress all sections of audiences.

I have been seen as a performer in serious roles, thanks to 'Gamyam', 'Shambo Shiva Shambo' and 'Maharshi'. Never have I limited myself to just one type of role. People have always loved to watch me in serious roles.

Audiences' tastes have changed

I see that audience these days are not preferring old-school comedy. They are expecting new concepts and are spotting loopholes even in comedies. Comedy shouldn't be forced in a movie. For that matter, nothing should look forced. As for 'Naandhi', such serious subjects are made only when someone is ready to invest money.

'Naandhi' won't disappoint

The film's pre-release content has set the audiences' expectations. I don't think there is any possibility for them to be disappointed. I have put behind 'Bangaru Bullodu', whose performance was not satisfactory. That film won't affect 'Naandhi'.

A physically taxing film

'Laddu Babu' involved so much physical work because it involved prosthetics. After that film, it's 'Naandhi' that was this taxing. In a portion, I go nude. Although that lasts for 15 seconds or so, it took several hours to be shot.

Highlighting a legal issue

'Naandhi' talks about a legal issue about which not many know. I am sure people are going to learn more about it on Google after watching our movie. We have seen that an innocent man was jailed for 27 years. After all those years, he was pronounced innocent. The director (Vijay Kanakamedala) did do a lot of research while writing the story.

Comedy doses:

It's not like 'Naandhi' is all serious stuff. Priyadarshi and Praveen have done comedy. But they are also going to shock you.

Impact with characters and dialogues

Devi Prasad garu has played one of the best roles. In '7/G Brindavan Colony', we see Chandra Mohan garu creating an impact. Devi Prasad garu has done such a thing here. More than a hero, I am a character in the story. The same goes with Varalaxmi Sarathkumar's character. She has played a lawyer. Abburi Ravi's dialogues will also stand out.

Want to be versatile

I want to play both comedic and other kinds of roles. Vijay Sethupathi plays all sorts of roles. I too want to play negative roles, too.

OTT is just building up

Thanks to lockdown, OTT has connected with the audience. Not many have an idea of how much reach OTTs have. The system is getting built up slowly. Bollywood obviously has got the widest market. As for Telugu, we will know it in a couple of years. But the desire to watch movies on the big screen will always be there. 'Naandhi' had OTT offers in September and October. By December, the scenario changed.