Rana reveals connection between MGR, his grandfather and Nene Raju Nene Mantri

Rana Daggubati was in the city to promote Naan Aanayittal, the Tamil dubbed version of his Telugu flick, Nene Raju Nene Mantri, sporting white dhoti. “I guess veshti is the most comfortable outfit and these days, they even come with pockets and Velcro to keep stuff like mobiles (laughs).”

Rana plays a politician in Naan Anayittal and will be seen donning a veshti throughout. When asked about the title whichh is a chartbuster song of late iconic actor/politician MG  Ramachandran, he says, “The Tamil title is inspired from a super hit song  from MGR’s  blockbuster film Enga Veetu Pillai, which is a remake of Ramudu Bheemudu, the first movie produced by my grandfather D.Ramanaidu. I am an ardent fan of MGR as well. Since the title brings back memories of two of my greatest inspirations, the film is very significant to me.”

Elaborating on the fact that director Teja had said that he essays a character similar to MGR, Rana says, “I am not playing a particular politician. The film is about a lovable couple, where Kajal essays my wife and how it gets complicated when he is drawn into politics. The movie involves many politicians and related events from TN, Andhra, Russia, UP etc.” 

On imbibing the character, he says, “It was Teja’s inputs and I blindly followed it. He lived in Chennai for many years and knows TN politics.” 

Quiz him about a scene similar to the famous Koovathur incident during the recent TN elections, pat comes his reply, “Teja sir has been working on the script for long and we shot this scene much before the episode you are talking about. It may be a sheer coincidence.”

So, is he venturing into politics? “Oh, not really!” he clarifies, adding, “I don’t have that kind of  knowledge or interest in politics.”