RC 16: Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, AR Rahman, Shivarajkumar make Buchi Babu Sana's dream team

Filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana has assembled a solid cast and crew for his second directorial outing, tentatively titled RC 16. Telugu superstar Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor will play the lead roles, with music by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman.

RC 16 will be bankrolled by director Sukumar's home banner, Sukumar Writings. The project was launched on Wednesday in Hyderabad following a customary puja, attended by all the main cast and crew.

Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor lead RC 16

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Speaking at the event, Sukumar expressed admiration for Buchi Babu Sana's vision and ambition. "He always dreams big. When I asked who he wanted to play the villain role in Uppena, he said Vijay Sethupathi. I was shocked. I wondered whether he would agree to play that role in a small movie like this, but we still met him. He convinced Vijay Sethupathi. And when I asked who he wanted to cast in his next film, he said Ram Charan. Then I asked him who he wanted as a music composer. He said AR Rahman. I was like, even I have not worked with Rahman sir till now. And when he met Rahman sir, he convinced him and brought him on board. Next, he wanted Janhvi Kapoor, and then he said he wants Shivarajkumar," recalled Sukumar.

Rahman also echoed Sukumar's observation about Buchi Babu Sana's grand visions. "As Sukumar sir said, he is a little crazy, but he has such great taste. He gave me a folder of all five situations. And he had three reference songs, mostly they were from my compositions. That's the dangerous part. His enthusiasm is infectious," said the composer.

Buchi Babu Sana assisted Sukumar for years before venturing on his own as a director with Uppena (2021). He was also an assistant director during the making of Rangasthalam, which had Ram Charan in the lead.

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Ram Charan recalled Buchi Babu's dedication to the craft and his passion for cinema. "Sukumar sir gave only 30 minutes of narration of Rangasthalam. But, Buchi Babu gave me the whole two-hour narration of the film every day for 200 days," he said, crediting Buchi Babu with helping him fully understand his character Chitti Babu. "I am very happy to be working with Sukumar's best student," he added.

The launch event of RC 16 was also attended by Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi and director Shankar.