After the rip-roaring success of SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali, the Telugu film industry is now gearing up for another historical spectacle with Gunasekhar’s Rudhramadevi. After repeated delays over the past year, the makers have finally announced that the film will hit screens worldwide on September 4.
“People have been patiently waiting for this film for a very long time and we are delighted to announce that the film will finally hit screens this September. The entire cast and crew has worked very hard and the effort can be seen in the film,” said Anushka Shetty, who plays the lead role in the film.
Made on a budget of Rs 72 crore, Rudhramadevi based on history books and real incidents that took place in the 13th century.
“The story depicts the Kakatiya Dynasty and is based on incidents that took place 850 years ago. We have not tampered with history in anyway and you will witness an authentic story without any exaggeration,” revealed director Gunasekhar.
Rudhramadevi has been one of the major talking points in the Telugu film industry, since it will be the first Tollywood 3D film. However, Gunasekhar insists that the story remains the real hero.
“This film has not been made for the graphics or the sets, but for the story. It’s a story that I read in school in the history books and it is something I always wanted to make. I was inspired by Hollywood films like Gladiator and Braveheart and wanted to make a film like that here,” shared the director.
The film, which has been in the making for the past three years, has an ensemble cast including Rana Daggubati, Allu Arjun, Nithya Menen and Catherine Tresa. Showering praise on the his cast, Gunasekhar said, “There is no Rudhramadevi without Anushka. She has poured her heart and soul into the role and has brought the character to life. We were thrilled to have Allu Arjun on board, who came in voluntarily as a cinema lover. He plays a supporting role and is there for about an hour in the film. He will be playing a Robin Hood kind of a role, so it’s definitely one to watch out for. The audience will also see Rana in a new avatar in this film. Inspite of his built and muscular body, Rana will be seen in a romantic role,” the filmmaker informed.
Considering only 90 theatres in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are equipped to showcase 3D films, the makers have also decided to release a 2D version to reach out to a wider audience.
“To make a film in 3D is very expensive and time-taking but we decided to go ahead and do it anyway because the experience of watching this film in 3D is something else. For the 2D version, our technicians led by Ajayanan Vincent have done a remarkable job to enhance the visual effects,” said Gunasekhar, who’s known for films like Okkadu and Arjun.
Apart from a power-packed star-cast, the makers have also roped in renowned composer Illayaraja . “Over the years, we are listening only to recorded sounds and we seldom hear live music. In this film, the audience will be treated to 125-piece symphony orchestra, giving an experience of watching live music,” revealed Gunasekhar.
The success of Baahubali has emboldened the makers to reach out to a wider audience, due to which they also launched an Android App for the film on Friday.
Also produced by Gunasekhar, Rudhramadevi will also be dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.