Ram Pothineni's #RAPO23 wraps second schedule with neo-noir night action sequence
Synopsis
Ram Pothineni isn't just acting in #RAPO23 — he's directing it, and the second schedule reveals just how personal the project is. A one-kilometre, fully illuminated night action sequence, a National Award-winning cinematographer, and a self-written neo-noir script signal that this is no vanity project but a genuine directorial statement from one of Telugu cinema's most energetic stars.
Key Takeaways
Ram Pothineni's directorial debut #RAPO23 has completed its second schedule as of 23 September 2026 .
The schedule concluded with a high-intensity night action sequence shot across a one-kilometre stretch , designed by action choreographer Kevin Master .
Actress Samyuktha has officially joined the cast, welcomed on her birthday by production house Rapo Cinematics .
National Award-winning cinematographer Tirru is the DOP; music is by Sam C S ; sets are designed by A S Prakash .
An earlier Pondicherry schedule ran for nearly nine days , during which Ram Pothineni reportedly shot for 24 hours at a stretch while simultaneously directing.
The film is produced by Krishna Pothineni under the Rapo Cinematics banner.
Telugu star Ram Pothineni's directorial debut #RAPO23 has completed its second schedule, culminating in a large-scale night action sequence that the makers describe as a never-before-seen visual spectacle. The film, a self-conceived psychological action thriller set in a neo-noir world, is shaping up as one of Telugu cinema's more ambitious upcoming productions.
What Happened in the Second Schedule
According to sources close to the unit, the schedule's centrepiece was a high-intensity night action sequence shot across a one-kilometre stretch, illuminated end-to-end with specially rigged lights to create a visually striking neo-noir canvas. Action choreographer Kevin Master designed the sequence, while National Award-winning cinematographer Thirunavukarasu (Tirru) captured the footage.
Samyuktha Joins the Cast
In a parallel development, actress Samyuktha has officially joined the #RAPO23 unit. Production house Rapo Cinematics welcomed her on its social media timelines on her birthday, posting: 'The world of #RAPO23 welcomes its newest addition. Happy Birthday, @iamsamyuktha_ and Welcome on board! Written & Directed by #RAPO. Produced by Krishna Pothineni. A @rapocinematics Production. Energetic Star @ram_pothineni.'
The Pondicherry Leg and Ram's Double Duty
The film's earlier schedule, held in Pondicherry for nearly nine days, set the tone for the project's scale. Sources noted that Ram Pothineni shot for 24 hours at a stretch on the outskirts of Pondicherry — a feat made more demanding by the fact that he was simultaneously directing the film and playing its lead character, Veera. A song choreographed by popular dance master Brinda was reportedly planned for the scenic Pondicherry locations.
Creative Team and Production Details
Conceived entirely by Ram Pothineni, #RAPO23 marks his debut behind the camera. The film is produced by Krishna Pothineni under the Rapo Cinematics banner on what the makers describe as a lavish scale. Music is being composed by Sam C S, while production designer A S Prakash is building the sets intended to elevate the film's visual identity. The project was formally announced on Ram Pothineni's birthday.
With two schedules now complete and a distinctive neo-noir visual language reportedly in place, all eyes will be on when the makers announce the next shooting phase and a formal release timeline.
Point of View
But the real test will be whether the directorial debut translates personal vision into box-office currency. Telugu audiences have rewarded actor-turned-director bets before — but only when the story is as strong as the spectacle.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the second schedule of #RAPO23?
The second schedule wrapped with a large-scale night action sequence shot across a one-kilometre stretch, entirely illuminated to build the film's neo-noir aesthetic. Action choreographer Kevin Master designed the sequence, and cinematographer Tirru captured it.
Who has joined the cast of #RAPO23?
Actress Samyuktha has officially joined the cast of #RAPO23. Production house Rapo Cinematics announced her addition on its social media pages on the occasion of her birthday.
Who are the key creatives behind #RAPO23?
The film's creative team includes National Award-winning cinematographer Thirunavukarasu (Tirru) as DOP, Sam C S as music composer, A S Prakash as production designer, and Kevin Master as action choreographer. Ram Pothineni himself has written and is directing the film.
Where was the earlier schedule of #RAPO23 filmed?
The earlier schedule was filmed in Pondicherry over nearly nine days. During this leg, Ram Pothineni reportedly shot for 24 hours at a stretch while simultaneously overseeing the film's direction.
