Nene Raju, Nene Mantri: Tamil version of Rana Daggubati's film inspired from MGR's song

Chennai: Actor Rana Daggubati says the title of his upcoming film Naan Aanaiyitaal, the Tamil dubbed version of Telugu political drama Nene Raju, Nene Mantri, is inspired from a super-hit song from actor M.G. Ramachandran’s Tamil blockbuster Enga Veetu Pillai. [caption id=“attachment_3800885” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Rana Daggubati and MGR. Images via Facebook[/caption] “The Tamil film title is inspired from a super hit song from the timeless matinee idol and charismatic leader MGR’s blockbuster film Enga Veetu Pillai, a remake of Ramudu Bheemudu, the first movie produced by my grandfather D. Ramanaidu,” Rana told IANS. Explaining why the title is special, he said, “It’s very special for me as it brings memories of two of the greatest icons of the film industry who continue to inspire me.” Rana plays a character called Jogendra in the film, directed by Teja. Shot in the beautiful locales of Karaikudi and in other parts of south India, Naan Aanaiyitaal is a film about Jogendra’s laden attitude. “It has a strong mass appeal that will surely connect with Tamil audiences,” Rana said. The film, produced by Suresh Daggubati, CH Bharath Chowdhary and V Kiran Reddy under Suresh Productions and Blue Planet Entertainments, also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Catherine Tresa, Ashutosh Rana and Navdeep. It will be his first film post the earth-shattering successful Baahubali films. Although he has immortalised the villanous character of King Bhallaladeva in the film, he takes a departure from all the evilness and turns a hero. He uses his towering personality and brooding demeanour to his advantage yet again but his inherent charm gets the better of his borderline evil smile. Actress Catherine Tresa, who is seen smoking in the teaser of Rana Daggubati starrer Telugu drama “Nene Raju, Nene Mantri”, says the film breaks many common stereotypes and that’s what makes it unique. “I’m not going to say why my character is seen smoking in the teaser. But what I can tell you is that the film breaks many stereotypes. It’s a very mainstream film and you will see Rana, who is known to do certain kind of films, go down a path less taken,” Catherine told IANS. Elaborating, she said: “The film breaks away from the regular commercial format. A lot of people by now must have assumed that I play a badass because my character is seen smoking. The film breaks such stereotypes.” Asked about sharing screen space with Rana, Catherine quipped: “I had to find really high heels to match his height.” “It was very interesting to work with him. He plays an intense character and I think he has nailed it. Audiences are going to love his energy,” she said. (With inputs from IANS)