Nani On Kamal Haasan's Influence On His Career: 'His Legacy Is Unbreakable'

Nani, also known as the Natural Star, is currently creating a buzz with his upcoming film Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. Ahead of the film’s release, Nani spoke about his admiration for actor Kamal Haasan. The actor acknowledged him as one of the most influential figures in the Indian film industry with a massive fan following. In the same interview, Nani also reflected on his cinematic journey, his inspirations and the influential figures who have shaped his career.

During a conversation on Pinkvilla’s Masterclass hosted by Himesh Mankad, Nani was asked about the actors who inspired him the most. Nani said, “I think cinema has given a lot of things to us and Directors. And if we gave anything back to cinema that is Kamal Haasan, sir. I think he is a gift to cinema itself. He has excelled in so many things he tried in the Indian film industry. He has given his life to cinema, and he has tried many different things. He started at 5 years old, and now, he is still the leading man with so much hype around him. Huge films are riding on him. I think this kind of legacy is unbreakable.”

Nani also spoke about the actors from Kamal Haasan’s generation, noting that they have experienced it all. He said, “Because of the times they have worked in, they have seen the first of everything. They have seen the first digital, makeup trials, first of everything. Now from now on whatever changes will not be at that scale. So, the entire cinema evolving process, the contribution from Kamal sir, and the things he has done are on different levels.”

When asked about his journey and what first inspired him to take up direction, Nani shared, “Different directors inspired me at different times, but if you ask me my biggest inspiration, it is Amitabh Bachchan Sir. Watching his film Agneepath was a major reason I wanted to direct a film.”

Directed by Vivek Athreya, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram will be released in Telugu and simultaneously in Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam under the title Surya’s Saturday. The film also features Priyanka Arul Mohan, SJ Suryah, Murli Sharma, Priyanka Arulmohan, Aditi Balan, and others in prominent roles. The action-thriller film is written and directed by Vivek Athreya and produced by D.V.V. Danayya and Kalyan Dasari under the D.V.V. Entertainments banner. It will be released in cinemas on August 29.