The first teaser of Dhwaja, starring newcomer Ravi and Priyamani, has been released by the makers. It is known that the Ashok Cashyap directorial is creating news for being more than just a remake of Tamil hit Kodi, and the political satire has Priyamani’s character’s name as Ramya. The latter being the actress-turned-politician who has been drawing a lot of attention on social media.
For cinematographer-turned-director, Ashok, it is an imaginary character, and he thought people would relate to the name ‘Ramya’. “Since our film is a political satire, and with elections around the corner and our film releasing at the same time, we felt it was right to to go with this name,” he says.
However, the director was quick to clarify that the character doesn’t have any sort of resemblance to actor and politician Ramya. “Everybody is aware that it is a remake of Kodi, and we are not making a biopic. It’s a fictional political thriller,” he adds.
Ashok has been working on this film over the last one year, and an audio release will be done before hitting theatres. So was the name Ramya decided much earlier? “Everybody is aware that there is a Lok Sabha election in 2019, and a few filmmakers are thinking of making a film on this genre. similar thoughts went in as assembly election is scheduled this year.
Since, it is a remake of Kodi, everbody will know the story, and even Ramya will be aware that there is no resemblance with her and the character in the film,” Ashok says, adding, “Moreover, Ramya could be anybody’s name, and let us consider it as a coincidence. We don’t want to defame anybody.”
The film also stars Divya Uruduga, TN Seetharam, Tabala Nani and Veena Sundar among others. Dhwaja has music by Santhosh Narayanan and Chinna, and cinematography by Ashok Cashyap.