Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh has joined the team of Telugu film #RAPO23, marking his debut in Telugu cinema. The makers welcomed the actor on Monday as a new schedule of the upcoming project got underway.
Production house Rapo Cinematics announced Riteish’s arrival on social media, describing his part as a “very exciting role”. The team also released a behind-the-scenes video offering glimpses of the film’s sets and showing Riteish arriving on location and interacting with Ram Pothineni. However, the video kept Riteish’s face out of view.
The film is being written and directed by Ram Pothineni, who will also play the lead role. Produced by Krishna Pothineni under the Rapo Cinematics banner, the project is being developed as a psychological action thriller set in a neo-noir world. Ram’s character in the film is named Veera.
The latest development follows the makers’ announcement of actress Samyuktha joining the project. The team welcomed her on board through a social media post marking her birthday.
The film’s unit completed a shooting schedule in September, during which it reportedly filmed a large-scale night action sequence spanning a stretch of approximately one kilometre. The makers have described the sequence as a visual spectacle.
Action choreographer Kevin Master designed the sequence, while National Award-winning cinematographer Thirunavukarasu, popularly known as Tirru, handled the visuals. Sam C S is composing the music, with A.S. Prakash serving as production designer.
#RAPO23 was formally announced on the occasion of Ram Pothineni’s birthday. With Riteish’s entry, the film brings a Bollywood name into a Telugu project that is building its identity around stylised action and a distinctive neo-noir setting.