Actor Allari Naresh, all set to tickle the funny bones with Aa Okkati Adakku, speaks to the media here, as he sheds light on his journey and the inspiration behind his latest venture.
K. Ramya Sree
After a hiatus from comedy films, actor Allari Naresh is set to tickle the funny bones of audiences once again with his upcoming project, Aa Okkati Adakku. Directed by Malli Ankam and featuring Faria Abdullah as the female lead, the film marks a refreshing shift for Naresh, who has recently been associated with message-oriented movies. The movie is set to hit big screens on May 3.
In an interaction with the Hyderabad media, Naresh shed light on his journey and the inspiration behind his latest venture. Clarifying any connection to his father’s film of the same name, he expressed, “We explored various titles, including ‘Match Fixing’, but given the comedic nature of the film, Aa Okkati Adakku felt most appropriate.”
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Naresh noted the poetic irony of portraying a lead role in a film that shares its title with his debut as a child artist. “Life truly comes full circle,” he remarked with a smile.
Delving into the storyline, Naresh revealed the premise of the film, which revolves around a settled protagonist facing marital pressure due to societal norms. He shared, “The hero in the movie is settled, but he fails to get marriage proposals because of age issues, and when people used to bug him about the marriage update, he would say, Aa Okkati Adakku and that’s how we came up with the title.”
“This was supposed to be released before Naa Saami Ranga, but it took some time. I shot parallelly for both films. I have been listening to stories from comedy genre films, but I wanted to do a full-length comedy film only if I liked the story because the audience perspective has changed over time. They are expecting witty stories. It was then that I came across this story,” added the actor.
Discussing the evolution of comedy in cinema, Naresh emphasised the importance of aligning with audience expectations. “Comedy films today require witty narratives. In addition to comedy, this film also has a message about the scams that happen in the name of marriage. No one has discussed such a concept in movies so far. I got connected to the story and the message it says. It was based on a couple of incidents on how people were cheating each other in the name of marriage,” he asserted, underscoring the film’s unique blend of humour and social message on marriage scams.
While the film promises abundant laughter, Naresh hinted at a poignant climax, suggesting a deeper emotional resonance. He shared, “While the whole film will be high on entertainment, the last few minutes will be high on emotions. There are many people who want to get married, but there are also people who wish they were not married. This film is for them.”
Naresh also shared insights into the casting process, revealing the deliberate selection of Faria Abdullah as the leading lady to ensure on-screen chemistry and compatibility. “We were looking for a heroine who matches my height, and the chemistry must be good on screen. Even Malli Ankam wrote the story thinking of Faria Abdullah only.”
As he returns to his comedic roots, Naresh expressed his joy in reprising the genre, noting its recent resurgence with quality content. “Comedy films, when backed by strong content, continue to resonate with audiences,” he affirmed, expressing optimism for the film’s reception. Lastly, with Aa Okkati Adakku, Naresh aims to entertain audiences while delivering a subtle yet impactful message, staying true to his legacy of blending humour with social relevance.
