Satya Dev’s Rao Bahadur is coming to cinemas on July 3. Directed by Venkatesh Maha, the psychological drama is presented by Superstar Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar under GMB Entertainment. A+S Movies and Sri Chakraas Entertainments bankrolled the movie. Ahead of the release, Satya Dev interacted with the media, and here’s the transcript.
Your team is extremely confident about the film. What’s the reason?
It’s because we have already watched the movie. When we started the film, we came up with the tagline ‘Telugu cinema like never before,’ and now Mahesh Babu garu has also made the same remark. Directors who have seen the film so far have also said the same thing. Hence, we are super confident.
What exactly is the film’s genre?
This is a complete psychological drama with elements of magical realism and dark comedy. Showing a metaphor visually is called magical realism. But you might get horror vibes sometimes. You would have seen the visual where tree roots are chasing me. While watching the film, you will clearly understand it.
This is the most challenging character in your career, right?
Yes. So far, my career was described as before Jyothi Lakshmi and after Jyothi Lakshmi. Now, Rao Bahadur has taken that spot. I am very confident the audience will also feel the same way.
What were your references for the Ramappa character?
To be frank, there were no references as such. Ramappa is a mad character. After watching this film, artists will take Ramappa as a reference. While shooting, I felt Ramappa had possessed me. That’s how much I was involved in the character.
What time period is the film set in?
The story spans from 1960 to 1999. In this film, the protagonist is a traveler. He keeps traveling across the country. Once, he visits Bhuvanalayam. The incidents he experiences there will be very exciting.
How well do you think the movie will connect with the audience?
Rao Bahadur’s story will have universal appeal. Everyone can easily understand it, but I can’t reveal what it is now. While watching the movie, the audience will understand why Ramappa is behaving in a certain manner and travel with him.