Nani on Cinema, Craft, and the "Wall Poster" Ethos | Anupama Chopra | THR India

In a candid conversation with Anupama Chopra, actor-producer Nani delves into his philosophy of cinema, rooted in his childhood fascination with Hyderabad’s "wall poster" theaters. He emphasizes preserving his identity as an audience member first, rejecting the divide between creators and viewers: "The moment we think we are cinema and they are audience, we lose connection." This ethos drives his choices at Wall Poster Cinema, his production banner known for launching fresh talent like HIT franchise director Sailesh Kolanu. Nani reveals his instinctive approach to selecting scripts—prioritizing filmmakers who "see stories as movies, not just narratives"—and reflects on risks like greenlighting Koat, a small-budget film that became his biggest hit. His mantra? "Audience comes first. A good script deserves its best version, even if it’s not mine."

Discussing the HIT universe, Nani unveils plans to expand it into a pan-India "Avengers of cops," with state-specific branches culminating in a mega crossover. He teases HIT 3 as the franchise’s "massiest" entry, blending extreme violence with purpose-driven stakes, and contrasts its unhinged cop protagonist Arjun Naik with Dasara’s villainous Da: "One fights for a cause, the other for greed." Looking ahead, he hypes Paradise as a "theatrical adrenaline rush" with director Shekhar Kammula, comparing its energy to "a concert" and confirming his physical transformation for the role. Despite blockbuster ambitions, Nani clings to relatability: "Chiranjeevi isn’t just dance or action—he’s family. We forgot that."

Reflecting on Telugu cinema’s camaraderie, Nani shares how peers like Prabhas privately cheer his work, fostering a non-competitive ecosystem. He recalls emotional highs, like watching Jersey’s re-release with his son amid roaring crowds, and admits his restlessness: "I stress when not shooting." With humility intact post-20 films, he fears complacency more than failure: "Celebrate cinema, not yourself." As HIT 3 and Paradise near release, Nani’s mission remains clear: "Make audiences forget their phones and feel."