Riteish Deshmukh in Tollywood for Ram Pothineni?

After Bollywood stars like Sanjay Dutt, Bobby Deol and Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh could be the latest Hindi actor to make his Tollywood debut as an antagonist. According to reports, Riteish is in talks to play the villain opposite Ram Pothineni in RAPO 23, a high-voltage action thriller directed by Ram himself. Nivetha Pethuraj is said to be playing the female lead.

The antagonist role is reportedly a well-designed character that could suit a seasoned star such as Jackie Shroff. However, the latest buzz suggests that Riteish has been finalised for the part. Interestingly, Riteish is married to Genelia D’Souza and is also said to share a close friendship with Ram, adding an interesting connection to his Telugu debut.

Ram, who has been looking to bounce back after a string of setbacks, is reportedly putting considerable focus on the film’s action and content. He is said to be producing the project as well, while keeping the budget under control rather than opting for a lavish star-driven production. The team is reportedly aiming for raw, grounded action, mass appeal and a fast-paced narrative.

Ram has also been spotted in a rugged, never-before-seen look for the film. The makers are said to be concentrating on tightly choreographed action blocks instead of relying heavily on grand sets and VFX. The actor recently shot an intense schedule in Puducherry, including a reportedly 24-hour shoot.

The makers are yet to announce a release date, with post-production expected to determine the launch window. Trade circles believe RAPO 23 will be an important test of Ram Pothineni’s market as he attempts to return with a content-driven action film. If Riteish makes an impact as the antagonist, his entry could also pave the way for more Bollywood actors to explore prominent roles in Telugu cinema.