Telugu actor Nani expresses his admiration for Amitabh Bachchan, says, "Always looked for a script like ‘Agneepath"

Telugu Superstar Nani

Telugu actor Nani, who has yet to appear in a Hindi film, recalls being captivated by the Amitabh Bachchan film "Agneepath" as a child. This early exposure to Bollywood sparked his love for Hindi cinema.

In an interview with PTI, Nani said, "I’ve watched a lot more Hindi films than people who live here (in the north). There are some amazing directors that I want to work with every time I see (their work). I’m a huge fan of Bachchan sir. My interest towards movies and wanting to make a film…Then even with the performance, Agneepath’ played a big role in the later part. Like, when I wanted a certain intensity for the character… I always looked for a script like Agneepath, that was one childhood thing for me."

Agneepath is a classic Bollywood film starring Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay Deenanath Chauhan. The story revolves around Vijay's pursuit of revenge against those who wronged his family. His father, Deenanath Chauhan, is brutally murdered, and Vijay's family is subjected to great hardship. Driven by a desire for justice, Vijay leaves his peaceful life to enter the dangerous world of Mumbai's underworld. "The film not only turned the actor into a movie buff but also inspired him to pen a couple of stories, including a thriller," he said.

Agneepath played a pivotal role in redefining the Hindi cinema hero. Directed by Mukul Anand and produced by Yash Johar, the 1990 film showcased Amitabh Bachchan in a powerful performance that earned him his first Best Actor National Award. "My inspiration for the first film was Agneepath… This is the first film which I wanted to make (as a director) when I was an assistant director, which I’ve never made…I still have the story, and then I’ve two or three more stories, which have to be adapted to the current times. There are a couple of directors who I’ve worked with, who know the basic idea about it, they are always like, ‘Let’s do it’," Nani said.

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Nani expressed his deep admiration for Aamir Khan and his exceptional performances in films like Dil Chahta Hai, Lagaan, and Rang De Basanti. Nani's appreciation for Aamir Khan's work highlights the impact and influence of Bollywood on the broader Indian film industry.

“Before I was about to join cinema, there was a huge influence of Aamir Khan sir, his films. Then he did films like ‘Dangal’, which came after I became an actor, and it was very inspiring. It was like, ‘We have to up the game’. So, Hindi cinema has always been a part of this love for cinema," he said, adding “Dilwale Dhulania Le Jayenge”, “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”, “Baazigar”, and “Darr” are among his favourite Bollywood films.

The Jersey Nani will be featured in the upcoming Telugu vigilante action thriller Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. The film, which is titled Surya's Saturday in its Hindi dubbed version, is written and directed by Vivek Athreya and produced by DVV Entertainment. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is scheduled to release in theatres on August 29.