KCR’s Look, Priyadarshi’s Hard Work

Actor Priyadarshi has opened up about the nervousness and challenges he faced while taking on the character of Shankaranna, inspired by Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, in Nani’s latest film The Paradise. Directed by Srikanth Odela, who shot to fame with Dasara, the film features Mohan Babu in a prominent antagonist role, while Kayadu Lohar plays the female lead. Although the film has attracted audiences with its intense narrative and powerful performances, Priyadarshi’s portrayal of Shankaranna has struck a particular chord with viewers in Telangana, where the character has become one of the major talking points.

Speaking at the film’s success event, Priyadarshi revealed that he was initially hesitant when director Srikanth Odela approached him for the challenging role. The actor said he had a strong desire to explore new dimensions of his craft, but the thought of portraying such a recognisable political figure made him nervous. However, he realised that stepping outside his comfort zone was essential to growing as an actor. Rather than turning down the opportunity, Priyadarshi decided to embrace the challenge, viewing it as a chance to demonstrate his versatility and take his performance to another level.

The actor also highlighted the extensive preparation that went into bringing Shankaranna to life on screen. From tracking down the character’s distinctive clothing in Abids to carefully studying his footwear, watch and overall appearance, every detail received close attention. Priyadarshi explained that the transformation was the result of considerable research and the dedicated efforts of the film’s makeup and prosthetics teams. The look was not created overnight; it involved meticulous planning, technical expertise and the combined efforts of several professionals. For Priyadarshi, the experience proved to be both demanding and rewarding, making Shankaranna a significant milestone in his acting journey.