Raju Weds Rambai is set for a November 21st release in theatres. The film is based on a true incident that happened somewhere between Warangal and Khammam. In his latest interview, lead actors Akhil and Tejaswini talk about the movie.
Directed by Saailu Kampati, the film will head to theatres on November 21.
Hero Akhil:
I entered the media industry soon after my Intermediate. As an anchor and a professional photographer, I got to gain hands-on experience. Sakhiya and Evandoi Owner Garu are among my independent short-films. I later acted in a feature film titled Vindubhojanam (direct OTT release). Raju Weds Rambai, releasing this week, is a momentous point in my journey. I hope this film will alter my career for good right from the day it releases in theatres. It culminates from decade-long hard work.
Working on Raju Weds Rambai was a learning experience in many ways. For one, I got to understand the nuts and bolts of a region-specific dialect. While I hail from Telangana, there are multiple dialects every few hundred kms away.
As can be made out from promotional assets related to our movie, my character, Raju, embodies certain specific attributes associated with romantic love. When faced with opposition from elders, he asserts himself. Pain, joy and rage are among the emotions he goes through in his romantic journey. Working with Tejaswini was a collaborative effort. Since we brainstormed on the scenes, it was a creative process that we both enjoyed thoroughly.
True love demands perseverance. That's what Raju Weds Rambai drives home through Raju and Rambai. In this sense, it is an intense love story. The climax left me suffocated and speechless. It deals with a painful episode one can't fathom. The final moments will become a talking point. Even before the release of our movie, on social media, the anticipation for the climax is already being felt.
I am now focused on current opportunities, including a role in Small Town Boys, which is being released through Suresh Productions. I am also appearing in an upcoming feature film alongside Anupama and Tharun Bhascker.
Heroine Tejaswini:
I started out as a short-film actress in 2019. Committee Kurrollu was my first feature film. I got to contact the makers of Raju Weds Rambai through Yadhu Vamsi, the director of my feature film debut. Director Saailu auditioned me and felt that I was apt for Rambai. I and my co-star, Akhil, participated in acting workshops before the film went on the floors. As far as I go, Rambai is one of the most beautifully-etched female characters.
Since the film is rooted and is set in a specific region, the director was particular about my dialect and pronunciation, which he personally trained me in meticulously. I grew up in Rajahmundry and as such, I had to work on the Telangana dialect. Portraying the character after learning about the behaviour of the character helped me get into its skin. Everyone around feels that my performance has no trace of artificiality. It's now up to the audience to judge my performance. Since the shooting experience was emotionally draining, I am all the more eager to see how the audience are going to receive my performance. The final stretches, especially the last 30 minutes, are particularly hard-hitting. As someone who performed the scenes, I found it hard to overcome the emotional impact of the shoot.
Rambai has scenes involving two men - her boyfriend, and her father. When she is around Raju (Akhil), she is jovial and joyous. When she is with her (abusive father), she is timid. She wants her father (played by Chaitanya Jonnalagadda) to approve her relationship with Raju. While she may have a gentle exterior, she is strong-willed.
7/G Brindavan Colony, Premisthe, Baby, and Sairat have attained a cult status over the years. Raju Weds Rambai has the potential to stay long in the audience's minds.
I look forward to working more in Telugu. Currently, I am associated with a Kollywood movie directed by Prabhu Solomon sir (Kumki fame).
