Rana Daggubati has shared fascinating insights into the casting process for his upcoming period drama Kaantha, revealing that he couldn’t imagine making the film without Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Rana, who is co-producing Kaantha under his Spirit Media banner alongside Dulquer’s Wayfarer Films, expressed his conviction about Salmaan’s suitability for the character. “Each story decides who its actor is in some manner,” Rana stated. “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.”
He further praised Dulquer’s acting prowess, highlighting his “security” as an actor. “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,” Rana elaborated.
Kaantha is a bilingual film, directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, and is set in 1950s Madras, exploring the complexities of post-Independence India. The film also features Bhagyashri Borse and Samuthirakani in key roles. This collaboration between Rana Daggubati and Dulquer Salmaan, both known for their unconventional choices in cinema, has generated considerable buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. The film is expected to be a visually rich and emotionally grounded drama.
