Kiran Abbavaram On ‘K-Ramp’ and Why He Doesn’t Promote His Film Once Audience Rejects It

Kiran Abbavaram is in no hurry to become a star. The Telugu actor, who has appeared in about 10 films, has experienced an equal number of hits and misses since making his debut with Ravi Kiran Kola’s Raja Vaaru Rani Gaaru in 2019. And the young actor has no qualms about owning this assessment. For now, he just wants to make relatable films that can make audiences laugh in the theatre. 

In that quest, Abbavaram will next be seen in Jains Nani’s K-Ramp, a comedy that hits the theatre on October 18. “I had so much fun listening to the script. I hadn't laughed this much in the past two and a half years. I felt like I was back to being a college student,” Abbavaram tells The Hollywood Reporter India.

“I wanted audiences to just laugh in every scene and see me differently,” he says, adding that the film cracks a couple of jokes at his own expense. Co-starring Yukti Thareja and Vennela Kishore, the film is named after his character, Kumar. “The 'ramp' is short for how the film’s going to be in 'rampage' mode,” he laughs. 

The actor, who was working as a network consultant in Chennai and Bengaluru before his entry into films, reflects on his respect for the audience. “If films don't work out, I sort of sense it beforehand,” he says.

A still from 'K-Ramp'

“I know the value of a film ticket and people’s time. We all enter a film with the best intentions, but along the way, things can change. It might not be a hit, but sections of the audience might like it. So we go with that hope and promote the film. But I never promote a film the minute the audiences reject it.” He also assures that he learns from all his mistakes. “Of my ten films, five haven’t worked, but I’m mindful of why these films haven’t worked and learn from them.”

A fierce patron of constructive criticism, Abbavaram prefers a genuine DM about a film rather than scathing personal attacks on social media. “A genuine feedback of a film is when audiences DM me about it. Some of them message me saying, "Bro, your film is bad, just take care next time." I always check my DMs and sometimes also respond to them with an apology and information about my next films. If a film is technically on point, people come to the theatres. But things need to hit the brief, right from the promotional material.” He tries not to let the unwarranted hate get to him. 

“If you do something wrong, you get an instant reaction. Everyone has a phone in their hands, and it is easy for them to tag and scold us. We also get appreciation. But this is the job. But I am quite conscious about my scripts today. Even on sets, I may laugh at one joke and someone else might not. So we are checking whether things are appropriate or not.” 

As for his upcoming lineup, Abbavaram wants to focus on lighthearted films. “I am not in a hurry to become a big star. I just want to enjoy filmmaking. I have given hits and flops, but I'm happy people watch my films. I don't want to be in the race of being a star.” 

The actor will next be seen in Ravi Namburii’s Chennai Love Story, a Telugu modern romance alongside Sri Gouri Priya. The film has music by the acclaimed composer Mani Sharma with a story by Baby filmmaker Sai Rajesh.

“It is going to be a cult film, which will be remembered for a long time. I read the concrete script and I heard Mani Sharma garu's songs. It's going to be like a concert in the theatre. Every song is almost more than six minutes long. It's an intense, memorable love story. We're planning to shoot most of the film in Chennai."