‘Telugu Cinema Is My First Priority’: Ritika Nayak Opens Up on ‘Korean Kanakaraju’, Career Choices and Why She Waits for the Right Scripts…

After delivering memorable performances in films like Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam, Hi Nanna, and Mirai, actor Ritika Nayak is gearing up for the release of her next Telugu film, Korean Kanakaraju, opposite Varun Tej. Directed by Merlapaka Gandhi and produced by UV Creations, the horror-comedy is scheduled to hit theatres on August 7.

Speaking about her career, Ritika made it clear that Telugu cinema remains her biggest priority, even though she hopes to work in other regional industries in the future.“My first priority is Telugu cinema because it is my mother industry. I feel very comfortable here. If the right script comes along, I’d also love to work in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada films,” she said.

A Character That Felt Close to Home

Ritika revealed that she was immediately drawn to Korean Kanakaraju after hearing the story from director Merlapaka Gandhi.

She admitted that one of the exciting aspects of the project was the opportunity to travel to South Korea, a country whose culture she has admired for years.

Her character, Chaitra, works in a Korean company and shares a fascination with Korean culture, making the role feel surprisingly personal.“I watch a lot of K-dramas and Korean films, so I found many similarities between Chaitra and myself,” Ritika shared.

The film was shot across Hyderabad, Anantapur, Kazakhstan, and South Korea, giving it a unique visual backdrop.

Choosing Different Roles Over More Films

Despite making her debut in 2022, Ritika has appeared in only a handful of films. According to the actor, the gaps between projects are a conscious decision rather than a lack of opportunities.

She believes that accepting every offer isn’t the right approach and prefers waiting for characters she can perform with complete conviction.

Her filmography already reflects this approach:

• Village girl in Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam
• Monk-like character in Mirai
• Modern, independent woman in Korean Kanakaraju

Ritika said she wants every role to feel fresh and different from her previous work.

Praise for Varun Tej’s Dedication

Speaking about co-star Varun Tej, Ritika praised his professionalism and commitment.

She recalled that even after suffering an injury, Varun arrived on set early and continued working until late at night during patchwork shoots.

According to Ritika, his dedication left a strong impression on everyone involved in the production.

A Horror Comedy with a Fresh Twist

Although Korean Kanakaraju belongs to the horror-comedy genre, Ritika believes the film stands apart because of its unique blend of Indian and Korean cultures.

Interestingly, she also spoke about her own experiences with supernatural stories.

ALSO READ : Mahesh Babu’s health worries fans as Rajamouli’s demanding film schedule sparks fresh concerns: Here’s what reports say

She recalled an incident from her school days when some friends experimented with a Ouija board, after which they reportedly experienced a series of unfortunate incidents.“Since then, I’ve stayed away from such things,” she admitted.

Keeping a Low Profile Despite Growing Success

Unlike many young actors, Ritika prefers staying away from excessive social media activity.

Describing herself as shy and introverted, she said she would rather let her performances speak for themselves.“If audiences appreciate my acting, that’s enough for me. I want people to remember me for my performances, not just my appearance,” she said.

She also revealed that while she discusses every script with her mother, the final decision about choosing a project is always hers.

Looking Ahead with Patience

When asked about future projects, Ritika confirmed that discussions around the Mirai sequel are still at an early stage.

She also hinted at another upcoming film but said an official announcement will be made by the makers.

Addressing reports that she was replaced in another project, Ritika remained calm and philosophical.“I believe everything happens according to God’s plan. If something doesn’t work out, I trust that something better is waiting,” she said.

With Korean Kanakaraju set to release on August 7, Ritika Nayak continues to build a reputation as an actor who values meaningful roles over frequent appearances. As her popularity grows, the young star remains focused on delivering performances that audiences remember long after the credits roll.