Anupama Parameswaran debuts as village belle Sulochana Rani in Sharwanand's 'Bhogi'
Synopsis
Anupama Parameswaran's debut look as Sulochana Rani—a leaf-plate craftswoman rooted in rural soil—signals a departure from her urban-centric roles. Paired with Sharwanand's Ganga in a 1960s-set village drama, 'Bhogi' is positioning itself as a grounded period piece with pan-India ambitions, releasing across five languages on Raksha Bandhan.
Key Takeaways
Actress Anupama Parameswaran unveiled as Kandula Sulochana Rani in director Sampath Nandi's 'Bhogi' .
Character is a leaf-plate artisan named the "Flame of the Forest," embodying rural resilience and strength.
Film pairs Parameswaran opposite Sharwanand (as Ganga ) and Dimple Hayathi in a 1960s-set village narrative.
High-intensity action sequences shot across Rajamahendravaram , Rampachodavaram , and Maredumilli forests. 'Bhogi' releases 28 August across Telugu , Tamil , Kannada , Malayalam , and Hindi on Raksha Bandhan .
Hyderabad, 30 April — The production team of director Sampath Nandi's period action drama 'Bhogi' unveiled the first-look poster of actress Anupama Parameswaran as Kandula Sulochana Rani on Friday, showcasing her in a rustic village avatar that has already captivated film enthusiasts. The image reveals Parameswaran barefoot on a dusty rural path, carrying a large woven basket of green leaves on her head while clutching additional foliage and a tiffin box — a visual that underscores the film's period authenticity and grounded narrative.
Character and backstory
According to production sources, Sulochana is a spirited, nature-rooted character who sustains herself by crafting leaf plates from Moduga leaves, earning the moniker "Flame of the Forest." Her portrayal embodies quiet resilience and quiet strength, grounded in the rural ethos of the film's fictional village setting. The costume design — an earthy, faded half-saree paired with a traditional blouse — and her intense, determined expression hint at a protagonist shaped by hardship and labour.
Sharwanand's parallel lead
The film pairs Parameswaran's Sulochana alongside Sharwanand, who plays a character named Ganga, as revealed by the makers on the actor's birthday. Dimple Hayathi rounds out the principal cast in another lead role. The dual-protagonist structure positions the film as an ensemble period piece rather than a single-hero vehicle.
Production and filming progress
Team Bhogi has recently completed high-intensity action sequences across Rajamahendravaram, Rampachodavaram, and Maredumilli forest regions. The next major shooting schedule is slated to begin in and around Hyderabad from the first week of May. The film's technical crew includes production designer Kiran Kumar Manne, cinematographer Kishore Kumar Arokia, and composer Bheems Ceciroleo.
Pan-India release and timeline
'Bhogi', set in the early 1960s within a fictional village straddling the Telangana-Maharashtra border, is scheduled for a simultaneous pan-India release across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi on 28 August, aligning with the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The staggered release strategy and multilingual approach signal the filmmakers' ambition to capture audiences across southern and Hindi-speaking markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kandula Sulochana Rani in 'Bhogi'?
Kandula Sulochana Rani, played by Anupama Parameswaran, is a spirited village woman who earns her livelihood by crafting leaf plates from Moduga leaves. She is called the 'Flame of the Forest' and embodies rural resilience and quiet strength within the film's 1960s-set narrative.
When will 'Bhogi' release in theatres?
'Bhogi' is scheduled to release on 28 August across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Who else stars in 'Bhogi' alongside Anupama Parameswaran?
The film stars Sharwanand in the lead role as a character named Ganga, with Dimple Hayathi playing another principal role. The narrative is structured as a dual-protagonist period drama.
Where is 'Bhogi' set?
'Bhogi' is set in the early 1960s within a fictional village located along the borders of Telangana and Maharashtra, with production design emphasizing rural authenticity and period detail.
