‘Won’t quit films’, says Nandamuri Balakrishna

Hyderabad: Soon after actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was elected as MLA from the Hindupur constituency, the gossip mills were wondering if he will quit acting and pin his hopes on a brighter political career. But the actor says he will balance both politics and films.

“I will reduce the number of films. I am making a plan for this as I want to spend more time with the people of my constituency,” Balakrishna told the media in Hindupur.

Another reason for him to continue in films is the fact that he has completed 97 films with his last project Legend — just three films short of the magical figure of 100. Surely any actor would want to reach that milestone.

Balakrishna has already committed to do a film for producer Rudrapati Ramana to be directed by Satyadev, which will be launched on June 10 — the actor’s birthday. According to a close source, Trisha or Shriya may play the female lead opposite Balakrishna.

“Both actresses have agreed to act with Balakrishna, but the final call will be taken later, as Balakrishna is busy in Hindupur. Once the swearing-in ceremony is over Balakrishna will pay attention to this film,” says a close source.

We hear producers who are close to the actor have plans of making Balakrishna’s 100th film a memorable one. A source added that they wanted to rope in ace director S.S. Rajamouli for this film. A producer who is close to both Rajamouli and Balakrishna has taken the onus of discussing it with the director.

Balakrishna’s last film Legend joined the Rs 50-crore club, making him the first from the Nandamuri family of actors to reach the milestone.

With this success, the actor has proved that he can compete with the top young actors. The actor will also hike his remuneration — he charged around Rs 6-8 crore for Legend, it may go up for his next film.

Meanwhile, he also plans to introduce his son Mokshajna before he takes a backseat in films.