At the Ramoji Film City, the line between reality and cinema blurs. After all, RFC has served as the backdrop for blockbuster films like RRR, Baahubali, and many others.
In one corner of the sprawling complex, under the shade of a tree, Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, 64, relaxes in a plastic chair. He greets a crew member with a casual “How are you?” Later, he high-fives a young visitor, and then playfully chides a mother and her child: “He doesn’t care about me. He thinks he is the star.”
Between shots, Balakrishna lightens the mood by asking a crew member to read out his horoscope, with a mock warning: “It better be good.” Balakrishna says he does not like it when the set is dull or boring. “I try to infuse life and energy to those around me,” he says. On the day I met Balakrishna, his energy and enthusiasm were palpable. He had begun his day at 2:45am. After an hour of cardio and a shower, he performed his daily puja before arriving on set to shoot an ad.
Recently, Balakrishna completed 50 years in the Telugu film industry. Having acted in 108 films over the years, Balakrishna’s passion for cinema remains infectious. His career began under the tutelage of his father, the legendary actor N.T. Rama Rao, who directed, produced, and starred in Tatamma Kala that released in 1974. Balakrishna, fondly known as Balaiah in Tollywood, made his debut as a bespectacled teenager in the black-and-white film. “There wasn’t a grand launch,” he recalls, attributing his early success to his father’s guidance, which was neither excessively critical nor effusive. One of their most significant collaborations came in Srimadvirat Veerabrahmendra Swami Charitra (1984), based on the life of the Hindu saint Pothuluri Veerabrahmam. Balakrishna recalls a particular scene where, out of nervousness, he hurt himself. “My father did not react much, but after the shot, he pointed out the crowd’s reaction. He told me, ‘Some of them are crying. The scene worked, and that means the film will be a hit.’ That was my father’s dedication to the craft.”
Even today, Balakrishna continues to bring the same dedication to his films, often going beyond his own scenes to ensure that those of his co-stars also stand out. One such instance occurred during the shooting of Samarasimha Reddy (1999), one of the biggest blockbusters of his career. Even after his scenes were over, he stayed on to fine-tune the villain’s performance.
Balakrishna has consistently chosen groundbreaking scripts, from the time-travel narrative of Aditya 369 (1991) to the folklore-inspired Bhairava Dweepam (1994). His 2014 film Legend reasserted his status as a mass action hero, with fans celebrating the film’s success across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Balakrishna’s films are known for the wild, exuberant reactions of his fans, who tear their shirts, hoot and dance in theatres. “I cater to my fans,” he admits. “My fans come to the theatre for a special kind of excitement, and I am proud that my films help spark that energy even among reserved multiplex audiences.”
Balakrishna, of late, has also been at the centre of controversy, particularly regarding his interactions with fans. He acknowledges that some of these moments have been misunderstood, emphasising that his actions were meant either to discipline or protect them. He takes fan feedback seriously and urges them not to spend money unnecessarily when his films release.
Growing up surrounded by epics, mythology and folklore, Balakrishna never formally trained as an actor. Yet, his deep knowledge of these subjects is sticking out a mile. “I don’t get depressed over failures nor am I overly joyful with success. I take it in my stride and move on.” When he feels low, he listens to his father’s songs, especially ‘Mathu Vadhalara Nidra’ from Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam (1966), which comforts him.
Balakrishna strongly believes in the power of intuition and says he doesn’t overthink decisions. One such example is the casting of Bollywood actor Bobby Deol in his upcoming film. “When the makers asked me who should play the villain, I closed my eyes and instantly took Deol’s name. He was signed for the film. It wasn’t because of our friendship. In fact, at the time, Animal hadn’t been released. I felt he suited the role.” And what about his dream role, I ask Balakrishna. “Genghis Khan,” he says, sans second thoughts.
Balakrishna does not prefer large sets and prolonged schedules, and believes in working efficiently. He limits his set to no more than 125 people, and aims to shoot and release several films a year. He has also ventured into OTT platforms, hosting the popular talk show―Unstopabble.
Apart from acting, Balakrishna is the managing trustee and chairman of a cancer hospital in Hyderabad and has served as the legislator for Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh for three terms. He juggles his political and philanthropic duties with his acting career and is preparing to launch his son Mokshagna Teja into the film industry. As for his own career, Balakrishna is iron-willed. Or so it seems. “I will keep playing hero until I introduce my grandson,” he simpers.