Since making his debut with Sekhar Kammula’s Leader in 2010, Rana Daggubati has remained highly selective with his acting roles. Over a 15-year career, he has taken up only a limited number of projects, focusing on stories that resonate with him.
His latest venture sees him taking on the role of a producer for Kaantha, a Tamil Telugu bilingual period drama set in 1950s Madras during the post-Independence era. The film is directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and co-produced under his banner Spirit Media, along with Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films.
In a recent interview, Rana shared insights into the casting and the vision behind the film. He said that certain stories seem to choose their actors naturally. When he first heard the story of Kaantha, he immediately saw Dulquer Salmaan as the perfect fit for the lead role. He even admitted that the film may not have been made had Dulquer not agreed to come on board.
Rana also praised Dulquer for his thoughtful approach to cinema, describing him as a secure actor who does not rely on conventional formulas for success. According to him, Dulquer’s ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters made him the ideal collaborator for a story grounded in a specific historical and cultural setting.Kaantha also features Bhagyashri Borse and Samuthirakani in key roles alongside Dulquer and Rana.