'RAMAM RAGHAVAM WILL LEAVE YOU DISTURBED'

Dhanraj Koranani talks about his directorial debut, Ramam Raghavam, the challenges and learnings while making the relationship drama, and why a film like this holds a unique place in his filmography

- BH HARSH

VER his 18-year career, Dhanraj Koranani has established himself as a household name, with small but memorable roles in countless films, but most prominently as a showstealer on the comedy show Jabardasth. The actor, however, promises to surprise everyone with his latest film Ramam Raghavam, where he plays the lead role of a wayward and fallible young man struggling to make peace with his life and his relationship with his father, played by Samuthirakani. The Jabardasth actor is also making his directorial debut with the relationship drama.

Ahead of the film's release, the actor sat down for an exclusive conversation with CE to talk about his experience and major learnings as a debutant director, why he made Ramam Raghavam as a bilingual, and what expectations he holds from the film.

Excerpts You have earlier spoken about how you became an accidental director with Ramam Raghavam. Was directing never on your mind, though?

I had directed a few ads earlier. Even while working in films, I would often think about how a shot could be done better, but then I would retreat into my thoughts. With Ramam Raghavam, someone else was supposed to direct it, but the producers and director had some issues, and the film was stopped after 7-8 months of scripting work. I had stopped all other work; I was too immersed in this role. So one day, the producers said, ‘If you direct, we will make this film,’ and I didn’t want to lose this film.

At the pre-release meet, you spoke about Raghavam being a unique character and Ramam being a relatable one. Can you explain?