Kiran Abbavaram is a prominent Indian actor and screenwriter who predominantly works in the Telugu film industry. He transitioned from a career as a network consultant and short-film creator into a mainstream Tollywood lead actor. He gained widespread recognition for his self-written breakthrough hit SR Kalyanamandapam. He talks with Subhash K Jha about his career, his latest film Chennai Love Story, and what’s coming next!
Your new film Chennai Love Story has pleased both critics and the audience alike. Did you expect it to be so well received?
To be very honest, Sir, I knew we were on to something special when the writer, Sai Rajesh Neelam, narrated the story. There was purity and sincerity about the film and my character, Steven. I immediately identified with him.
Steven is a filmmaker in Chennai Love Story. Was that the inspiration to turn to direction?
No, no, Sir. I had decided to direct a film before that. In fact, my directorial is fifty percent complete.
So what prompted you to turn to direction so early in your career as an actor?
It’s been almost seven years since I started as an actor. Most of my films have been successes. A couple of them did flounder and fade. I am okay with that; my average is not bad. Still, I feel a restlessness about the offers that come to me. Very honestly, I wanted to create my own opportunities.
You actually started as a writer?
That’s correct. I wrote and directed my own short stories. So directing a feature film is like coming a full circle for me.
What would you say your primary vocation is, acting or direction?
It is cinema, Sir. Cinema. I don’t look at direction and acting as separate vocations. They are both a part of the same process. People ask me what is it like to direct myself . I find it easy because I know the character I am playing in and out.
Coming back to Chennai Love Story, what was it like shooting for this supernatural love story?
It felt very special all through , Sir. Me and my co-star Gouri Priya were very comfortable as co-stars. Many times we were deeply moved by the scenes, so we knew it would connect with the audience.
You play a ghost later in the plot. Was that tough?
Not at all , Sir. We were constantly looking at the emotional bonding between the couple. It didn’t matter what my screen presence required.
Do I sense a sequel coming up?
Why not? If the writer comes up with a suitable story we would all love to come together again.
How does it feel to have a success at a time when Telugu cinema is reeling under failures?
Firstly, Sir, I am no stranger to success. My earlier films too like K Ramp and KA have done very well. About the failure, Sir, it all a cycle. Audiences will come to the theatres if they like the content.
You are also doing a grand mythological fantasy?
Yes, Sir, Indraputra. The film is deeply rooted to Indian mythology, focusing on the eternal conflict between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness). It is envisioned as the first chapter of an expansive cinematic mythological universe. Debutant director Srikanth Puppala, who served as the first assistant director on Kantara Chapter 1, will helm the project. The story is written by Keerthan, with a screenplay by Tanvi N. Dutta.The film is a joint venture presented and produced by Zee Studios and Prerna Arora. I am very excited about this . I haven’t done anything in this genre.
Telugu cinema is ruled by dynasties. How hard was it for to break in as an outsider?
Very hard, Sir. This is not an easy place to be in unless you belong to a film family. Getting the first break is not that difficult. Continuing to find projects after that is very tough. But here I am, very happy with what I have. Eager to see what lies ahead.
