Sam C S scores music for Ram Pothineni's directorial debut #RAPO23
Synopsis
Ram Pothineni is not just starring in #RAPO23 — he wrote it, is directing it, and is playing the lead. Now music composer Sam C S confirms sessions are already underway, calling Ram's creative inputs 'very valuable.' For a star who turned lyricist and singer with his last film, the director's hat is the next logical — and boldest — step.
Key Takeaways
Sam C S has begun composing music for Ram Pothineni 's directorial debut, tentatively titled #RAPO23 .
Ram Pothineni will direct the film and play the lead character Veera — a psychological action thriller he also wrote.
The film was announced on Ram Pothineni's birthday via a post on X , with a December 2026 release target.
Regular shoot is set to begin in June 2026 ; the film is produced by Krishna Pothineni under the Rapo Cinematics banner.
Ram joins Telugu stars-turned-directors including Sr.
NTR , Krishna , and Pawan Kalyan .
Music composer Sam C S has confirmed that he has already begun composing the score for Ram Pothineni's directorial debut, the psychological action thriller tentatively titled #RAPO23, with regular shoot set to commence in June 2026 and a December 2026 release on the cards.
Sam C S on Collaborating with Ram Pothineni
In an exclusive interview, Sam C S revealed that music composing sessions for #RAPO23 are already underway. The composer, who is currently working across multiple high-profile Tamil and Telugu productions, spoke warmly of the experience. 'He is very clear in what he wants and his inputs are very valuable,' Sam C S said of Ram Pothineni, who will both direct the film and play its lead character, Veera.
Ram Pothineni's Birthday Announcement and the #RAPO23 Reveal
Ram Pothineni made the announcement of his directorial debut on his birthday earlier this year, taking to his X timeline to introduce the project. In his post, he wrote: 'An exciting journey begins with all your love & blessings. Introducing "Veera" in #RAPO23 — the story of a Lone Wolf. Genre: Psychological Action Thriller. Written & Directed by #RAPO. Produced by Krishna Pothineni. A @RAPO_Cinematics Production. December 2026 Release.'
The announcement was accompanied by a striking birthday special poster depicting Ram from behind, clad in a leather jacket with a sharp V-cut hairstyle. A bold red 'V' dominated the backdrop — symbolising the character Veera — against the faint outlines of towering skyscrapers, evoking a cold, crime-infested cityscape. The tagline 'The Story of a Lone Wolf' hints at a protagonist shaped by solitude, instinct, and psychological complexity.
A Multi-Hyphenate Star Adds Director to His Credits
The move marks yet another creative leap for Ram Pothineni, who had already expanded his repertoire with his previous film Andhra King Taluka — turning lyricist and lending his vocals for the first time. With #RAPO23, he now adds filmmaker to his credits. Notably, he joins a select league of Telugu stars-turned-directors that includes Sr. NTR, Krishna, and Pawan Kalyan.
The film is being produced by Krishna Pothineni under the newly launched Rapo Cinematics banner. Sources close to the production describe #RAPO23 as a powerful and groundbreaking narrative conceived entirely by Ram Pothineni himself — a psychological action thriller, a genre reportedly rarely explored in Telugu cinema.
What to Expect Next
With music sessions already in progress under Sam C S and the shoot slated to begin this month, the #RAPO23 team appears to be on track for its targeted December 2026 theatrical release. All eyes will be on how Ram Pothineni's vision as a first-time director translates on screen.
Point of View
Wrote the screenplay, and is now shaping the music sessions with Sam C S suggests genuine creative ownership. The choice of psychological action thriller is a calculated risk in Telugu cinema, where massy entertainers dominate. If #RAPO23 lands, it reframes Ram not just as a bankable star but as a filmmaker with a distinct voice. If it doesn't, the multi-hyphenate experiment could overshadow what has been a quietly consistent screen career.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is composing the music for #RAPO23?
Music composer Sam C S is scoring the film. He has confirmed that composing sessions are already underway and described Ram Pothineni's creative inputs as 'very valuable.'
When did Ram Pothineni announce his directorial debut?
Ram Pothineni announced #RAPO23 on his birthday, posting on X (formerly Twitter) to introduce the project and his character Veera, with a December 2026 release date. Regular shoot is set to begin in June 2026.
Who are the other Telugu stars Ram Pothineni joins as a director?
With #RAPO23, Ram Pothineni joins a select group of Telugu stars who have turned directors, including Sr. NTR, Krishna, and Pawan Kalyan.
What other creative roles has Ram Pothineni taken on recently?
In his previous film Andhra King Taluka, Ram Pothineni turned lyricist and also lent his vocals for the first time. #RAPO23 marks his next creative expansion — this time as a filmmaker.
