Director Ajay Samrat: Rudrangi is a product of history, personal experiences and stories I grew up listening to

Jagapathi Babu, Vimala Raman, Mamta Mohandas starrer Rudrangi, a 1940s drama set in Telangana, is all set to test its fortunes in theatres this weekend on July 7. The film marks the directorial debut of Ajay Samrat, one of the many writers behind the Baahubali franchise and a close associate of Vijayendra Prasad. In a chat with OTTplay.com, the filmmaker shares how the tales he grew up hearing, personal experiences, helped him write, direct Rudrangi.

The inspiration behind Rudrangi:

I was compelled to write the story after listening to many stories, experiencing several circumstances and developing a certain understanding of history. There isn’t any singular inspiration behind Rudrangi. The conflicts in the story are similar to what every region must have experienced at a point of time in history. Several films have been made on how zamindars have suppressed the fate of villagers; however, Rudrangi presents a unique take on the scenario, blending family emotions in a social drama.

The making of Rudrangi:

The film’s shoot was wrapped up in 60 days. The producer Rasamayi Balakishan has been asking me to direct a film for a long time now but I didn’t want to waste his money. Rasamayi garu was very keen to make a film and probably this was the right time. Rudrangi went on floors after we met during the lockdown. He has provided all the resources we needed as a team during the shoot.

The film is visually stunning and has justified the money we’ve invested in it. A lot of effort has gone into the ambience, the characterisation, dialogues and the tone of Rudrangi. I and the cinematographer had extensive discussions about the detailing and the pre-production phase lasted close to 6-7 months. I’m happy that a leading banner like Mythri Movie Makers is distributing it.

On Jagapathi Babu’s dedication for the film:

Rudrangi didn’t have many takers and actors weren’t keen on listening to the script. I narrated the gist of the film to Jagapathi Babu garu during COVID-19 and he said yes to it. I gave him an extended narration later and he has put his heart and soul into it. Even on days when I asked him to come to the set at 12 pm, he was there right at 8 am and worked for 12 hours a day. He fully trusted me. As a director, I don’t like promoting myself much. I know SS Rajamouli professionally and was the dialogue writer for Baahubali and Rajanna earlier.

On his love for Mamta Mohandas and why he cast her in Rudrangi:

I’ve been a big fan of Mamta Mohandas since the days of Yamadonga and she’s a fine actress who can dance and sing well. She was supposed to do Arundhathi too but it didn’t materialise. Someone whom I knew told me that she can’t afford to miss Rudrangi. I was devastated when I came to know she was diagnosed with cancer. Mamta told me it has been 10 years since she received a Telugu offer and said yes within 5 minutes. I approached Vimala Raman for the other female role.

Why should audiences watch Rudrangi?

Audiences will watch a film only when they like it. Didn’t they celebrate Kantara even when it wasn’t promoted much in Telugu states? A leading banner like Geetha Arts promoted it and viewers appreciated it. I believe the film will do the talking in the case of Rudrangi and one will understand why I’m so confident about it this Friday. I am equally open to handling criticism as well.