As Ram Pothineni gears up to return to the big screen with the much-awaited entertainer Andhra King Taluka, the film’s director Mahesh Babu P opened up about its making, casting choices, and the uniqueness of its story during a press interaction. The film is slated for release on November 27.
No film came with the story of Andhra King Taluka!
Mahesh Babu P explained that the title “Andhra King Taluka” carries significant emotional weight, deeply tied to the storyline. Set in 2002, before the separation of the Telugu states, the narrative demanded a title reflecting that era.
Speaking about the film’s emotional core, Mahesh Babu P said “Andhra King Taluka” explores the deep bond between stars and their fans. This is an area touched upon before, but never in the way this story presents it. He emphasized that the narrative is unique, rooted in raw emotional honesty, and shaped by his own experiences and observations.
Ram went beyond his comfort zone
Recalling how Ram Pothineni came on board, Mahesh Babu P revealed that despite being a one-film-old director, Ram gave him a fair chance. He narrated the full story in one sitting, and Mythri Movie Makers later informed him that Ram approved it immediately. The director described Ram as a versatile performer who brought unmatched energy to the character, pushing beyond his comfort zone to deliver something entirely new for his fans.
The director also praised the actor’s strong musical sensibilities, recalling how Ram spontaneously expressed emotions in words during a tune discussion, eventually shaping the song’s lyrics.
Upendra’s real-life charisma
One of the most talked-about decisions has been the casting of Kannada icon Upendra. Mahesh Babu P said he was struck by a remark Upendra made during an interview—“I’m more real on screen than off it”—which instantly convinced him that the actor was perfect for the powerful role of Surya. The director praised Upendra as an extraordinary human being, noting that the character required someone of his charisma.
Mahesh Babu made his directorial debut with “Miss Shetty Mr. Polishetty” and before that he worked with popular director Krishna Vamsi. He shared that several scripts are in development, but decisions on future projects will be taken only after the release of “Andhra King Taluka.”
