"'Veera Simha Reddy' actor Nandamuri Balakrishna is a God both on and off screen"- 'Duniya' Vijay - Exclusive

BR Vijay Kumar aka Duniya Vijay is a Kannada actor who started his film career with 'Ranga SLC' in 2004 and since then he has appeared in over 40+ films in various roles. After doing a plethora of work, now in 2023 he is making his acting debut in Telugu with Nandamuri Balakrishna, Gopichand Malineni and Sruthi Haasan's 'Veera Simha Reddy' in which he will be seen as the antagonist. As a part of the 'VSR' promotions, he interacted with the media in Hyderabad, Etimes too got chatty with the talented actor to discuss his character, his experience of working here, and his future projects, below are the excerpts from the conversation.!

What made you make your Telugu debut with this film?

I was supposed to make my Telugu debut long back but things didn't go well that time. I even forget those movie details now. But when I got to know that the makers of 'Veera Simha Reddy' are considering me for the Villain role I felt very happy as Balayya garu was a childhood favourite right from 'Muddula Mavayya'. Also, this character had a scope to perform in the film. I didn't dub for my role in the film due to my Kannada accent, moreover, I had no time to do it by myself.

How is it working with Balakrishna garu and how was his chemistry with you?

He is a wonderful human being, I saw him for the first time, I used to watch his films when I was in high school and I used to enact his acting those days with my friends. Today I got a chance to work with him. I believe it's destiny and god's grace.

The scenes between us will be on the next level, they have come out very powerful. He has a different level of energy on the film sets. Both on and off the screen, I can tell you honestly that he is a god. He is very dedicated and has a good memory and it is not an easy thing.

He also does great work outside with his humanitarian work with his cancer hospital. I have seen a great human being in him, for me, he is nothing but a god.

Who was your favourite actor and director in Tollywood before you made your debut in Tollywood?

I always admired a lot of Old Telugu actors such as Sr.NTR garu. Because my parents showed me his 'Daana Veera Sura Karna' at a young age and my parents used to ask me to bring lots of his movie VHS cassettes back then. But today there are lots of people I admire for different reasons and talents.

You have been an actor, writer, and director, so what made you opt for a negative role in a Tollywood film?

I never wanted to be an actor in my life because I come from a very lower-middle-class family. I did many petty jobs before getting into the industry and I got a small role as a manual labourer in a stone quarry in the Kannada film 'Duniya' and that film made me a hero. And then since I got good recognition and got some money I continued acting as many were insisting. That's how it all happened, nothing was planned. Now, I just got this opportunity and I'm doing it and I can't go back now because even if I say, I'm not a hero, people in Karnataka are not ready to listen.

A couple of your superhits had been remade in Tollywood, whereas other Kannada stars have dubbed such superhits in Telugu, what made you stop dubbing your films here?

I was very scared and very insecure about dubbing my films into Telugu as I didn't have any market here, moreover, you can see my colour and how I look. I got scared all about that. Moreover, Tollywood is too big with very big actors here. Also, for me, good things should happen naturally like how it happened now and I believe in such a natural process. But, after this 'Veera Simha Reddy' someone might start dubbing my future movies.

In the past several people made their debut as Villains in Balakrishna's films, and they all have seen successful in Tollywood. What are you hoping post the release of this film in Tollywood?

Definitely, I feel I was lucky enough to get this role. If a person gets a character like this in a film like 'Veera Simha Reddy' opposite Balakrishna garu definitely anyone will go places and so will mine too.

Telugu films are quite popular in Bangalore and you are from the Bangalore-based Sandalwood Industry and you are very well known there, How do you think your Kannada fans will receive this movie there?

Actually, after watching the film, there will be a small confusion in them as to know who is the Hero and who is the villain. My fans will take time to digest and rest. Everyone will enjoy it...!

How far will your directorial skills helped you design and sharpen your character as an actor in 'Veera Simha Reddy'?

Acting is a different ball game altogether. When you stand in front of a camera you are an actor and you think like that but when you are behind it, it becomes your kid and you start taking care of everything that happens in front of it. You'll start pampering, scolding or even hitting your actors to get what you want.

So, These two are two different crafts. As an actor, I will do whatever the director says and I feel Gopichand Malineni is a great commercial director and I have just started my career as a director, I'm yet to complete my second movie as a director.

Did you ever think why Gopichand Malineni picked you for this role?

I felt and also I asked the director himself and he said they have seen some of my work and he was looking for someone like me with my level of temperament and also it was my luck to get a good chance. Moreover, this is a very challenging role for me.

Any ego issues that took place between you and any Tollywood actor on the film sets as you come from the Kannada cinema?

"Absolutely No! I came and continued in this industry with a love for cinema. So, I was ready for anything and today I'm here in front of you. Therefore If I had some ego issues, I wouldn't be coming this far. I'll tell the same to all upcoming actors there, If someone has an ego, please remove that 'E' and 'Go'. No one will stop you from achieving what you want. As an actor, I respect everyone on the set and from every industry.

Tell me one solid reason why should anyone watch the film 'Veera Simha Reddy'?

Why You should watch this film because it will have a good journey of the characters, and it is a very good emotional drama with a different journey of each of the characters and they will entertain you for sure.

Coming from the Kannada Industry what do you have to say about the Kannada cinema today to that of other film industries in India? How come it has got so much revenue all of a sudden, today they are investing hundreds of crores in movies?

Today, Talent plays a major role, it is not about the language or a particular person. It's sheer Talent. So, we can't say anything about any industry. Whoever has a talent they are ruling the roost. Take 'DJ Tillu' from Tollywood, It did well there, Take 'Love Today' from Kollywood, and it too did well there. So, after all, we are all south Indians, so, whoever does well we'll have to appreciate them. Even Kannada filmmakers are trying to be on the same level as the other industries are...that's it!

But I feel, during the covid, everyone got updated on their film literacy. Even small children have been updated to the 5G Network. They have become pretty fast at everything now and they know everything.

Are there any differences, in particular, you identified in Tollywood after having worked in both industries?

Nothing, everybody is attempting to make a good cinema be it in Kannada cinema or Telugu cinema. Take for eg; Prashanth Neel sir, he has attempted something and it worked so is with Rishab Shetty sir and his 'Kantara'. Similar experiments can be attempted by some other guy tomorrow who knows? So, we can't say anything and I don't see any particular difference other than these experiments. I feel hard work is the real investment in this Industry.

If you see at one time (during covid) Malayalam Industry gave all the superhits. That 'Drishyam' has taken them everywhere, there is no language that has left without remaking that movie, including the Chinese Film Industry.

While filming the 'VSR' did any other Telugu filmmaker approach you for a role in their film, and what are your current projects in hand?

I have one Kannada film shooting there titled 'Bheema' and yes a couple of Telugu filmmakers approached me for roles but I'm yet to say yes to them. For me, my character has to be very strong, or else I may not connect with the audience, therefore I'm hoping that this 'VSR' will do well and I got to work more here.
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