As Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati gear up for the release of their ambitious new film Kaantha, the stars have opened up about cinematic expectations, creative storytelling, and the pressure that massive blockbusters like Baahubali have left behind on the industry.

In a candid conversation with M9 news journalist Nishant, the Kaantha team — including Rana, Dulquer, and Bhagyashri Borse — shared deep insights into the movie’s themes, controversies, and their take on the “₹1000 crore obsession” sweeping indian cinema.

💰 1. The ₹1000 Crore Syndrome: Pressure After Baahubali

Ever since Rajamouli’s Baahubali redefined box-office success, the number “₹1000 crore” has become an industry obsession.
From producers to fans, every film is now measured not just by story or craft, but by its collection potential.

During the interview, Rana Daggubati subtly addressed this growing trend, suggesting that cinematic value shouldn’t be reduced to box-office math.

“We’ve started equating success with how many zeros a film earns. Kaantha isn’t about that—it’s about the story, the emotion, and the people,” Rana shared.

🎬 2. Kaantha: A journey Through Greed, Jealousy, and Human Nature

Rana revealed that Kaantha is set against the backdrop of the 1950s indian film industry, a period filled with glamour, ego clashes, and artistic rivalry.

“Besides the 1950s film backdrop, Kaantha explores the darker shades of human nature — greed, jealousy, ambition, and emotion,” he explained.

The movie promises a blend of drama, nostalgia, and introspection, something that fans of both rana and Dulquer are eagerly waiting to see on the big screen.

🎭 3. Dulquer on Choosing Layered Characters

Dulquer Salmaan, known for his choice of complex, emotionally rich roles, said that Kaantha gave him a chance to dive deep into human psychology.

“This film is not just about old cinema. It’s about people — their desires, insecurities, and the cost of chasing fame,” he said.

Dulquer emphasized that the story’s emotional core makes Kaantha both universal and timeless.

⚖️ 4. The Controversy: Is Kaantha Based on M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar’s Life?

Just days before the film’s release, Kaantha found itself in legal trouble when B. Thiagarajan, grandson of veteran actor-singer M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, filed a case in the Madras High Court.

Thiagarajan alleged that the film is loosely based on his grandfather’s life and was made without family consent, accusing the team of depicting the icon negatively.

Rana and Dulquer, however, strongly denied the allegations, clarifying that the movie is entirely fictional.

“If it were really based on someone’s life, we would’ve approached the family and acquired rights. Kaantha is a fictional narrative set in a historical period — not a biopic,” Rana clarified.

🧩 5. Bhagyashri Borse: The Emotional heart of Kaantha

Newcomer Bhagyashri Borse also opened up about her role in the film, describing it as emotionally layered and challenging.
She said that Kaantha gave her a chance to explore the feminine perspective in a story dominated by ambition and rivalry.
Her chemistry with Dulquer reportedly forms the emotional backbone of the film.

🎞️ 6. Why Kaantha Stands Apart

While the legal drama and ₹1000 crore comparisons dominate headlines, the cast remains focused on the art.
The film’s retro visual tone, haunting score, and moral complexity promise something rare — a story-driven period film with a modern emotional punch.

“This isn’t just cinema nostalgia — it’s a mirror to how ambition can both build and destroy,” Rana concluded.

🎯 In Summary

With Kaantha hitting theatres worldwide on November 14, the anticipation is sky-high.
Beyond the legal controversy and box-office chatter, the film seems ready to challenge the ₹1000 crore obsession by bringing the focus back to storytelling, emotion, and artistry.

As rana and Dulquer stand by their creation, one thing is clear — Kaantha might just remind the industry that great cinema isn’t counted in crores, but in moments that move you.

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