Natural Star Nani, beloved by his fans for his authentic performances, is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’ (titled ‘Surya’s Saturday’ in Hindi). In a recent interview with PinkVilla, Nani shared an interesting revelation about his inspiration to become a director, crediting Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic film ‘Agneepath’ as a key influence.
During a Masterclass hosted by Himesh Mankad, Nani was asked about his journey and what sparked his initial desire to direct films. Nani, reflecting on his early aspirations, explained, “Different directors inspired me in different times. Obviously, my biggest inspiration is (Amitabh) Bachchan sir. Agneepath was my big reason of why I wanted to direct a film. I heard the film didn’t do well when it released but I think it redefined heroism. Like how an actor you know can play his role and how the general formula can be twisted to something else to make an absolute compelling story.”
Nani also revealed how ‘Agneepath’ influenced his early work, sharing that in his first script as an assistant director, he included a scene where Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic monologue from ‘Agneepath’ plays on a TV in the background, setting the tone for the film. This scene, he said, was a tribute to the impact ‘Agneepath’ had on him, “Even in the first script I have written as an assistant director, which I wanted to make, in the opening titles, there is a sequence that happens outside a tea shop and there is a TV inside and in the TV, the Agneepath scene will be happening. ‘Yahan pe jungle ka kaanoon chalta hai, maalum hai. Choohe ko saanp kha jaati hai, saap ko..’ (Here, the jungle’s rules are obeyed, you know. A snake eats a rat, and the snake..), something. That’s a long monologue. The voice keeps fading out as the title keeps rolling, but in Amitabh Bachchan’s voice. I wanted to start my career like this as a director. So there is a lot of influence,” he shared.
Nani’s admiration for Amitabh Bachchan was evident throughout the conversation, as he praised the legendary actor’s ability to elevate any film with his performance. “The kind of composure and performance Bachchan sir delivered every single time; You see it could be an average film or a bad film or a blockbuster film, but you know that this man added so much value to it. It’s not like he is doing any floor movements or dances or he is jumping off the buildings. He is just sitting and saying one word that hits your heart. And that’s the power of cinema and acting,” Nani remarked, embodying the spirit of a true fan.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Agneepath (1990) was a classic Bollywood film directed by Mukul S. Anand. The movie was renowned for its intense drama, powerful performances, and iconic dialogues, particularly by Amitabh Bachchan, who plays the lead role of Vijay Deenanath Chauhan. The film’s title, ‘Agneepath,’ translates to “The Path of Fire,” symbolizing the fiery and tumultuous journey of the protagonist.
Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s underworld, the story revolves around Vijay, a man driven by revenge after witnessing the murder of his father by the ruthless gangster Kancha Cheena, played by Danny Denzongpa. As Vijay grows up, he becomes deeply entrenched in the criminal underworld, determined to avenge his father’s death and restore his family’s honor.
Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Vijay is legendary, marked by his deep baritone voice and the famous dialogue, “Naam Vijay Chauhan, baap ka naam Dinanath Chauhan, gaon Mandwa,” which has become iconic in Indian cinema. The film is also noted for its intense narrative, strong emotional undercurrents, and the dark portrayal of revenge and justice.
Although ‘Agneepath’ was not a commercial success upon its release, it garnered critical acclaim for Bachchan’s performance, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor. Over the years, the film has gained a cult following and is now considered one of the finest performances of Amitabh Bachchan’s illustrious career. The movie’s legacy continued with a successful remake in 2012, starring Hrithik Roshan, but the original remains a benchmark for powerful storytelling in Indian cinema.
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