What can audiences expect from Crazy Kalyanam?
Dr. Naresh Vijay Krishna: It is an honest family entertainer that blends humour with emotion. Set in a village middle-class family, the story explores the bond and conflicts between parents and children. There is no graphic violence; the film focuses on entertainment and relationships. I hope families enjoy watching it together during Dasara.
How does your character fit into the story?
Dr. Naresh Vijay Krishna: The story rests on four principal characters: mine, Tharun Bhascker’s, Anupama Parameswaran’s and Akhil Uddemari’s. My character has slightly more prominence, but every role is important. A hero need not be defined only by songs, fights or romance. A character who drives the story and wins the audience’s affection can also be its hero.
Why did you compare director Badrappa Gajula to K. Viswanath?
Dr. Naresh Vijay Krishna: Badrappa tells stories in a fresh way while staying connected to Telugu nativity. He gives his characters depth and brings their journeys to satisfying conclusions. I saw that emotional quality in Crazy Kalyanam, which is why I made the comparison. Tharun’s Balraju feels like someone audiences might recognise from their own village, while Anupama’s character reflects middle-class young women seen in many towns. Akhil has also performed well.
What makes the six-minute Navarasa scene special?
Dr. Naresh Vijay Krishna: I portray all nine emotions through conversations with nine characters, in a setting involving around 350 people. At first, I was nervous because I had no reference to follow. Badrappa told me I would become the reference for the scene. I completed it in a single take. It is also the first film to use my title, “Navarasaraya.”
How did you prepare for the performance and dubbing?
Dr. Naresh Vijay Krishna: I have performed in several dialects, and Badrappa is particularly skilled with the Telangana dialect. I spent four to five days dubbing and stood during the sessions to match my delivery to the emotions of each scene. I was involved from the scripting stage, so I feel confident about the film.
What would you like audiences to know before the release?
Dr. Naresh Vijay Krishna: The teaser and trailer have received a positive response, and we hope the film connects with viewers too. The father-daughter bond at its heart is universal. Producer Boosam Jagan Mohan Reddy has put tremendous passion into the project and its promotions. Crazy Kalyanam, also starring Anupama Parameswaran, Tharun Bhascker and Akhil Uddemari, is directed by Badrappa Gajula and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 16.
How do you choose your films?
Dr. Naresh Vijay Krishna: I choose based on the character, not the size of the film. I have declined some pan-India offers, while staying open to roles that appeal to me. Many young directors are approaching me with stories, and I want to honour the trust they place in me. Badrappa narrated Crazy Kalyanam to me first, and the project took shape after I agreed to join it.
