Shiva Rajkumar to Play Janhvi Kapoor’s Father in Ram Charan Film

Kannada superstar Dr Shiva Rajkumar is reportedly set to play Janhvi Kapoor’s father in her upcoming film with Telugu star Ram Charan. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the rural-centric film required a seasoned actor with gravitas for the role, leading to Shiva Rajkumar’s casting. The actor has committed to 40-50 days of shooting for this much-anticipated project.

Initially, Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi was considered for the role but reportedly declined due to its elderly nature. Dr. Shiva Rajkumar, who recently made an impact with his fiery cameo in Rajinikanth's Jailer, is increasingly taking on powerful roles in other regional language films. He was earlier seen in a special role in Balakrishna’s Gautamiputra Satakarni and is also set to appear in the Telugu film Kannappa. Known for his action-hero image in Kannada cinema, his foray into impactful roles across industries reflects the growing pan-Indian appeal of South Indian stars.

This trend of casting actors from neighboring South Indian industries—Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam—is part of Tollywood's broader strategy to connect with audiences across the southern states. While this has opened new avenues for cross-industry collaborations, some critics argue it has sidelined local Telugu talent in favor of pan-Indian casting. Nonetheless, these cross-industry efforts are contributing to the expanding reach of South Indian cinema across India.