Rana Daggubati gets candid about casting Dulquer Salmaan for period drama Kaantha; says, “Wouldn’t have made the film without Dulquer”

Set in 1950s Madras, the bilingual film explores post-independence India through powerful performances and a rare actor-producer bond.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

July 18, 2025 - 12:54 PM IST

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Rana Daggubati opened up about his decision to co-produce the upcoming period drama Kaantha and the pivotal role played by Dulquer Salmaan in shaping the project.

Rana Daggubati gets candid about casting Dulquer Salmaan for period drama Kaantha; says, “Wouldn’t have made the film without Dulquer”

Rana, known for backing bold and meaningful cinema, revealed that the moment he heard the story of Kaantha, he couldn’t imagine anyone but Dulquer leading it. “Each story decides who its actor is in some manner,” said Rana, “And everyone is right for a certain role. The second I heard it, I didn’t see anyone but Dulquer in it. So I was like, if he probably wasn’t in it, we probably would not have made the film.”

The bilingual film, helmed by director Selvamani Selvaraj, is set in the socially and politically charged era of 1950s Madras. It promises to bring together intense performances and compelling storytelling, with Bhagyashri Borse, Samuthirakani, and others rounding out the cast.

Talking about why Dulquer was the natural choice, Rana added, “He is so secure in terms of just being an actor — things don’t need to go into a mainstream beat for him to create a successful film. So I think in that way, he was probably the best guy to collaborate with.”

This collaboration between Rana Daggubati and Dulquer Salmaan is already generating buzz, especially as both stars are known for taking unconventional routes in cinema. Rana’s dual role as actor and producer highlights his evolving vision for Telugu cinema and beyond.

Kaantha is expected to be a visually rich, emotionally grounded drama that captures the complexities of a newly independent India. The film’s backdrop of transformation and societal tension makes it a rare narrative, combining period drama aesthetics with deep character-driven storytelling.

With Dulquer Salmaan anchoring the film and Rana Daggubati backing it, Kaantha is poised to be a landmark bilingual project with pan-Indian appeal. Audiences are excited about this collaboration and are eagerly waiting for its first-look posters, trailers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes updates from the sets of the film.

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