S.S.Rajamouli’s epic cast ensemble

Breaking his silence at last, director S.S.Rajamouli has finally spilled the beans on his upcoming film RRR that stars Jr NTR and Ram Charan. Like Baahubali, he has once again created a fictional story, but with two real-life freedom fighters — Alluri Seetharama Raju and Komaram Bheem — representing Andhra Pradesh and Telangana respectively.

“Both these freedom fighters left home at a very young age. After two years, they returned home to fight against the British and the Nizam, but no one really knows where they went in the preceding years. I read a lot of books to research their stories, but there is no authentic information about them and how and where they spent those two years. Their meeting and what they did together forms the crux of my fictional story,” says Rajamouli, adding that both were known for their guerrilla style of warfare.

While Ram Charan is playing Alluri Seetharama Raju, Jr NTR will play Komaram Bheem. “I couldn’t think of any other actors when I wrote this story,” says Rajamouli, as he reveals that he has cast Alia Bhatt to play Sita opposite Ram Charan. “Alia and I met at an airport where we discussed the story and she immediately accepted the role. Daisy Edgar Jones, a foreign actress, will star opposite Jr NTR,” he adds.

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn is also playing an important role in the film. “I know Ajay from my Eega days, so when we met for the narration, he readily accepted to do the film. His role is very important,” explains Rajamouli, who adds that Tamil star Samudr-akhani is also a part of the cast.

Since the freedom fighters travelled across the country, Rajamouli is looking to make a pan Indian film with pan Indian actors.

Meanwhile, both Ram Charan and Jr NTR have reposed their faith in their director. It helps that the two actors are very good friends in real life, so this film has only strengthened their bond. Admitting that controversies are a part of everything nowadays, Rajamouli adds, “Controversies are inevitable, but we can’t stop making films, so we are going to continue with our thought process.”

When asked if Mahesh Babu would have been a better choice to play the young Seetharama Raju instead of Ram Charan, Rajamouli states, “At a recent event, his fans clearly stated that they wanted to see him in a James Bond kind of film, not as Seetharama Raju!” says Rajamouli with a smile.

Meanwhile, producer D.V.V. Danayya reveals that the film’s budget is around Rs 350 to Rs 400 crores, while confirming that he was offered Rs 100 crores to leave the project.

“But I wanted to produce a film with India’s greatest director Rajamouli, and didn’t want to give up that opportunity,” he says.

Announcing the grand release date for July 30, 2020, Rajamouli has confirmed the title of the film as RRR for all the language releases. Also, unlike Baahubali, which had two parts, there would be only one film.

After completing two schedules here in Hyderabad, the team is leaving for Ahmedabad soon for a month of further shooting.