Dhanraj Discusses His Greatest Challenge in Ramam Raghavam: Balancing Dual Roles

Chennai, Feb 19 (NationPress) Actor and director Dhanraj Koranani, whose bilingual film, ‘Ramam Raghavam’, is set to release on February 21, reveals that the most significant challenge he encountered while creating this film was achieving the performance as an actor that he envisioned as a director.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Dhanraj, making his directorial debut, remarked, “My greatest challenge was to perform as an actor in line with my vision as a director. While Samuthirakani sir and the rest of the cast delivered precisely what I envisioned, I had to push myself to meet my own expectations.”

With over 27 years of experience in the film industry, Dhanraj stepped into the director's role due to unforeseen circumstances.

“Initially, I was only supposed to portray the character of Raghava and was mentally prepared for it. Another individual was meant to direct the film. However, a clash of opinions arose between the director and the producer, putting the film at risk of being shelved. The producer agreed to proceed if I took on the director role. Despite lacking formal training in direction, I had worked as an unofficial assistant director on numerous projects, learning as much as I could. Trusting my skills, I chose to embrace the challenge.”

Dhanraj didn’t just accept the challenge; he devoted himself fully to it, sacrificing other opportunities to focus on this project alone.

“I have turned down multiple film roles to ensure I can give my best to this film. I let go of at least four other opportunities,” said Dhanraj, who commended Tamil actor Samuthirakani for his unwavering support since the project's inception.

The film will be released simultaneously in both Tamil and Telugu. The narrative of Ramam Raghavam explores the dynamic between a strict father and his wayward son.

Alongside Samuthirakani and Dhanraj Koranani in leading roles, the cast includes numerous stars such as Harish Uthaman, Satya, Moksha Sengupta, Pramodini, Srinivas Reddy, and Pruthviraj.

Dhanraj Koranani has not only acted and directed but also crafted the dialogues and screenplay for this film. It is produced by Prudhvi Polavarapu and presented by Prabhakar Aaripaka.

The story of Ramam Raghavam is written by Sivaprasad Yanala, with music composed by Arun Chiluveru. The film's cinematography is handled by Durga Prasad Kolli, while editing is managed by Marthand K Venkatesh.

Douluri Narayana serves as the art director, and the songs feature lyrics by Saraswati Putra Ramajogayya Sastry. Stunts are choreographed by Natraj, and dance sequences by Jithu. The film is co-directed by Ramana Madhavaram.