'Ninnu Kori' is set to hit the screens on July 7th. In this interview, Nani talks about what is unique about the movie, working with debutante Shiva Nirvana, his upcoming movies, and more.

What makes 'Ninnu Kori' a must watch?

At a time when films are emotional only in an episodic way, 'Ninnu Kori' is a film that will arrest you with its emotions. When I was given a narration by Shiva Nirvana, I was emotionally connected to the story. I have the same feeling even after it has been made.

How do you rate him as a director?

He hasn't made this film bothering about success. And the writing is not superficial at all. He strongly feels about this story. The script is very close to his heart. Even now when he discusses some of the scenes, I see tears in his eyes. I believe this story happened to someone close to him.

What is the film trying to say?

Some people think that it's all over when they fail in love or career. 'Ninnu Kori' says that we haven't seen anything at all. We have only seen a small part of the world within a small circle of our family and friends. Life gives us many chances, but let's give life a chance.

You people seem to have gone with a bound script. How did it help?

Even though we went with a bound script, it was not entirely rigid. For that matter, changes continue to be made till the last copy comes into existence. It happens for all films. Only that, unlike for a film like 'Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy', in the case of 'NK', the scope for change is not much. There are limitations, given the nature of the story.

Can we see it as a triangular love story?

No. It's not even a love story for the purposes of cinematic entertainment. You will only remember the characters, not the actors. The characters are so believable that you will only see a story unfolding in front of your eyes. You will remember Pallavi, not Nivetha Thomas.

I am not the film's hero. You will remember the other actors as much as me. We can't imagine anybody else but for Nivetha and Aadhi (Pinishetty) in those roles.

When I suggested that 'Adiga Adiga' song be released first, instead of a teaser, some of the team members were sceptical. I told them this is not a slow song, but like a slow poison. It got 7-8 million views, which is no joke.

Why are we seeing you only in love stories, of late?

There is a love story in every film. Even 'Oke Okkadu' and 'Ghajini' had love stories in them. In my case, 'Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy' had a different plot. 'Nenu Local' was character-driven. Only 'Majnu' was a full-fledged love story. Perhaps because I have a release every 3.5 months, that you are saying this.

You are called a 'minimum guarantee' actor! Isn't it?

I don't know what that term means. I am not a pressure cooker to have a guarantee. From the perspective of the producer, may be it's correct. I think a film shouldn't be sold through gimmicks, by showing the buyer an exciting trailer, etc. A film is a genuine hit only if every stakeholder makes profit.

They tell me why I can't do big-budget movies. For what should I do that? It has no use, except that you will be called a big hero. If the story doesn't need it, why should the costs go up?

As a producer too, I believe in making films that nobody else will like to finance. If I feel a story deserves support, I will produce it.

Of late, films have become more about the numbers. What is your opinion about the numbers game?

Even many audiences are thinking on these lines. If someone is asked how a film is, he says, 'It's making big numbers'. There was a time when we used to watch movies for the sheer joy of it. I am afraid many of them are missing it these days.

What are your upcoming movies?

'Middle Class Abbayi' is done to the extent of 30 per cent. It has come out very well. It's a new genre. A week after the release of 'NK', the film under Merlapaka Gandhi will be announced. It will have an interesting title and belongs to a new genre altogether.

You now have 6 hits in a row. How does it feel?

As the number of hits increases, one is also tensed. Some body, there will be a break to this. That's inevitable.