Oct 10, 2026 8:00pm IST
Kiran Abbavaram On ‘Reality,’ ‘Indraputra’ And His OTT Debut With ‘Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Telugu actor Kiran Abbavaram has a busy slate ahead, spanning slice-of-life dramas, action fantasies, and a horror thriller. In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, the actor discusses taking on multiple responsibilities behind the camera, drawing on his regional roots, learning from box-office setbacks and venturing into OTT for the first time.
You are taking on multiple creative responsibilities in ‘Reality,’ including writing and directing. How do you balance these roles while staying focused on your performance?
Around five years ago, I worked on “SR Kalyanamandapam,” for which I wrote the story, screenplay and dialogues. It became a huge success and changed my career. After that, I was busy acting in films and didn't get much opportunity to write. However, I was keen to make a family drama that could connect with audiences and share how I see life. I enjoy taking on different roles, so this project gives me that opportunity.
‘Reality’ explores realistic, slice-of-life storytelling. What drew you to this genre, and what makes the film relatable to audiences?
Audiences will relate to this drama because it deals with societal pressures. The protagonist wants to get married within his budget, but things spiral out of control because of societal expectations. We are exploring this situation through humor rather than making it overly dramatic. The dialogues are also very relatable, so I believe people will connect with the story.
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Do you think audiences are once again gravitating towards romance and relatable stories?
Audiences have always wanted breezy love stories. Amid commercial films, they also want to go to the theatre with their loved ones and watch a romance that reminds them of their own experiences. There will always be space for good love stories. I also feel audiences today buy tickets for films they can relate to. Action films don't always work. My film “Meter,” which was released in 2023, was rejected by audiences. That taught me we need to offer something fresh, even when we are working within a familiar genre like action.
How do you deal with a film not working, especially when you have invested so much in it?
When selecting a script, I also try to look at it as an audience member. Sometimes, I can sense whether something might not work even before the film releases. We need to judge our own films first and be prepared to troll ourselves before the audience does.
Your films often reflect your regional roots. How does growing up in Rayalaseema influence the characters you play and the stories you tell?
It probably comes naturally because I belong to the region. It is all very organic. I often tell my directors that even if I wear designer clothes, I will still not look like a wealthy man. That is simply how my personality is.
At a time when VFX and spectacle are increasingly prominent in pan-Indian cinema, how are you approaching ‘Indraputra’ while keeping its emotional core intact?
“Indraputra” is a very special film, and I feel fortunate to be working with director Srikanth Puppala, who was the first assistant director on “Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.” We are designing the film together. It is not a period film; it is a contemporary story. Only the first 15 to 20 minutes of it focus on mythology. We want to present the drama realistically, in a way that appeals to Gen Z. I won't be wearing elaborate costumes or flashing swords in this film. I am not trying to make a “Baahubali!”
You are also producing the horror film ‘Hatah.’ What can audiences expect from it?
I am producing the film, and I watched the complete version about a month ago. I don't watch horror films, but I really enjoyed this one and remained engaged throughout its two-hour runtime. I was genuinely taken aback by the content. I am sure audiences will be surprised, too. It might take them 10 to 15 minutes to understand what is happening, but once they get into the story, I believe they will be engaged.
You are making your OTT debut with ‘Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat.’ What drew you to the project, and how has the experience been different from working on films?
It is a new experience for me. I hadn't planned to enter the OTT space because I am busy with my film commitments. However, I am very fond of director Bharat Kamma, who made “Dear Comrade.” When he narrated the script, I was completely blown away. I felt I couldn't miss the opportunity. It is an eight-episode political drama set in the 1980s, and I play a journalist. The format and the experience of working on a series are new to me, so I am excited about this change.
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