Speaking at the pre-release event of 'Bachhala Malli' on Tuesday, actor Kiran Abbavaram wondered why Allari Naresh hasn't been adorned with a sobriquet even though he has portrayed a wide range of roles in the last 22 years. It was in 2002 that Naresh made his acting debut with 'Allari', directed by Ravi Babu. Since then, he has acted in comedy roles as well as emotional roles (like in Gamyam, Nenu, Naandhi and Shambo Shiva Shambo).
While Naresh has shown versatility, his range hasn't been tapped into by the post-2010 directors. None of the new-age filmmakers who debuted after 2010 could make the best use of his talent for non-comedies. 'Naandhi' is the sole exception.
As a result, Naresh has failed to capture the attention of the 90s and 2000s kids among the audience. This has severely dented his rise. There was a time when he carved a unique path of his own by teaming up with the likes of Krishna Vamsi ('Danger'). His union with Mohanakrishna Indraganti for 'Bandipotu' didn't boost his career.
Had we been making comedy films like in the 2000s, Naresh would have been a towering star hero today. Barring 'Sudigaadu', nothing else offered him a chance after 2010. More than 'Bachhala Malli', it is 'Sudigaadu 2' (to be made in 2026) that offers Allari Naresh a chance to break into the next league.
