'Narappa' will stream on Amazon Prime from July 20. Ragalahari has spoken with Rajeev Kanakala (who has played Priyamani's brother), Karthik Ratnam (as Venky's first son), and debutant Rocky (as Venky's second son) in the movie. In this interview, they talk about their respective roles, the experience of working with Venkatesh and director Sreekanth Addala and more.
Rajeev Kanakala:
Since Suresh Productions is a huge banner, they took the utmost care of every artist. The backdrop of 'Narappa' is rustic. It's a very raw film with raw emotions. It reflects the lives of our villages. Sreekanth Addala garu made the film in such a realistic way.
You won't see Venkatesh garu in the film. You will see only Narappa. He has done a brilliant job of pulling off the rustic emotions.
I didn't watch the Tamil original before listening to the script. After Suresh Babu garu told me to listen to the character, I loved Addala garu's narration. I didn't have to watch 'Asuran' because the director's narration was detailed.
Priyamani garu has played glamorous roles. When I saw her on the sets, she felt like a villager from the neighbourhood. Her transformation is so natural and realistic. She is a fantastic actress. It's not easy to get the slang right. And she picked up her lessons with so much ease.
Anantapur slang has been used, but the film, in general, has got a neutral accent.
A lot of Telugus are spread across various parts of India and the world. I am glad that they are awaiting 'Narappa' in a big way. 'Narappa' is an edge-of-the-seat thriller where the father's emotions will touch the audience.
Karthik Ratnam:
Doing the film was a beautiful journey. I was initially inhibited. But Venkatesh garu and other seniors made me feel comfortable.
Venkatesh garu has got a down-to-earth character. Rajeev Kanakala garu is at his best. He has done a natural act.
A lot of the scenes were difficult. The sensibilities, lines are different in the film. After 'Care Of Kancharapalem' and other films, this was a great vehicle for me. So, it needed a lot of effort. I had watched the Tamil version before doing my part.
Venky garu's expressions are superb. The audience will surely love his performance.
Rocky:
My character travels with Venkatesh garu's character from start to end. I am close to director garu. He would put me into the mood while on the sets. The hero asked me to feel free and consume takes if the need be.
It's a performance-oriented role that I have got to play in my first major movie. 'Narappa' is hugely awaited by the Telugu audience.
