The definition of a commercial hero in Telugu Cinema is usually added with some predefined benchmarks. The hero should be flawless in looks, with chiselled body and thrash hundred goons without much effort put! He should be picture perfect in dancing and romance the female lead without any real challenges whatsoever. In fact, the female lead will immediately fall for the hero for these aforementioned features! However, a new wave of heroism began with realism and where hero can have his own set of problems but take them with a pinch of salt. This sort of hero could also crack jokes at himself at tremendous comedy timing and liveliness.
This new age hero trend began with Natural Star Nani who made his debut with Indraganti Mohanakrishna’s comedy of errors flick Ashta Chamma. When people saw Nani being too swift in timing with his boy next doors- a natural star was instantly made. He was admired for the situations he is in- close to real life situations. His portrayal as a young guy with normal problems such as relationship troubles was greatly appreciated. But the actor did not succumb to just these sort of feel good films. He also ventured into a sports flick like Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu which was totally in contrast with his image.
Most importantly, his chemistry with female leads deserves a special mention. He brings great life to the screen with extremely cool attitude and paying to his strengths- instead of being too grandeur. Whether it was high energy Nitya Menen in Alaa Modalaindhi or the classy Samantha in Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu- Nani was greatly believable as the determined lover! Who can forget his stellar performance as the disappointed lover in the climax of Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu where he brings the comedy element even there? That is signature Nani for you!
Nani’s performance as the realized rich man in Pilla Zamindar is an outright treat for the audience. The film has everything Nani is good at- comedy, style, high energy levels and tremendous fun! After a rough patch with a series of flops in between, Nani did not succumb to the fate. He bounced back with nonstop hits right from Yevade Subrahmanyam till MCA. This is a indeed a rare feat for an actor who believes solely in himself instead of stardom or backing.
Whether it was a guy with short term memory loss in Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, to a methodical MBA person in Yevade Subrahmanyam, to a middle class unemployed in MCA- Nani pulled it with ease. He has become the quintessential lover boy who became the heartthrob for many young girls of this generation. Despite less than half an hour of presence in Rajamouli’s Eega, Nani’s prowess is shown breathtakingly in every frame he shared with Samantha in the flick.
For his magical talent, he even bagged the golden opportunity to dub for Dulquer Salmaan in Mani Ratnam’s Ok Bangaram as well. Now, he has reached to level in TFI which every young aspiring hero can yearn for. Nani’s anchoring in Bigg Boss Season 2 also has been overwhelming.
Most importantly, Nani’s way of life off the screen also became exemplary for his fans. His way of dealing scenarios is worth mentioning.
Telugu360 congratulates Nani for completing ten glorious years in the film industry and wish him more success ahead!
