‘Dhandoraa Combines Mass Elements with Meaningful Storytelling,’ Says Shivaji

December 16, 2025 Published by rajeshe092eb6a68

Veteran actor Shivaji, widely respected for his preference for unconventional and layered characters, will be seen in a crucial role in the upcoming film Dhandoraa. The film is produced by Ravindra Banerjee Muppaneni under the Loukya Entertainments banner, the production house known for acclaimed projects such as Colour Photo and Bedurulanka 2012. Directed by MuraliKanth, Dhandoraa is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on December 25.

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast comprising Navdeep, Nandu, Ravi Krishna, Manika Chikkala, Mounika Reddy, Bindu Madhavi, Radhya, and Aditi Bhavaraju in prominent roles. As part of the promotional campaign, Shivaji recently interacted with the media, sharing insights into the making of Dhandoraa, his role in the film, and the broader vision that drives the project.

Did you hear the story of Dhandoraa even before Court?

I actually heard the story of Dhandoraa much earlier. My character immediately stood out because it was unlike anything I had done before. The makers even paid me an advance back then, but due to certain production delays, the film took time to move forward. In the meantime, Court released first.

What can audiences expect from your character in Dhandoraa?

My role in Dhandoraa is deliberately ambiguous. While watching the film, the audience won’t be able to clearly decide whether my character is good or bad. That judgement is left to them after the film ends. I play a farmer, but the story doesn’t revolve around just one hero. Every character in the film carries weight. However, the narrative keeps circling back to my character, giving it significant importance. Roles like these don’t come often. No character in this film exists merely to fill space. Everyone matters.

Is Dhandoraa a message-oriented film?

I wouldn’t call Dhandoraa a purely message-driven film. It’s a well-balanced commercial entertainer that blends emotion, drama, and realism. The film has strong emotional layers, but it never feels preachy. What really impressed me was the screenplay. It flows organically and feels very natural. Dhandoraa is, quite simply, a beautifully made film.

Since this comes after Court, expectations are naturally high. Does your role live up to them?

The response I received for Mangapathi in Court was overwhelming, and I’m confident the character in Dhandoraa will have a similar impact. As an actor, you need a lot of luck to be offered such layered roles. This character has multiple shades and allows me to explore a wide emotional range. The film itself is content-driven and emotionally engaging from start to finish.

There have been comparisons to films like Vedam and C/o Kancharapalem when it comes to portraying sensitive characters. How is it handled here?

In Dhandoraa, Bindu Madhavi’s character has been portrayed with a lot of dignity and class. The treatment is very respectful, and audiences will genuinely connect with both the character and the situation.

It seems like new directors are approaching you more these days. Any thoughts on that?

I’ve mostly been working with new directors, and I actually enjoy that. Many filmmakers here tend to over-calculate and hesitate, even when there’s so much acting talent within our own industry. Instead, they often look outside. In Dhandoraa, actors like Navdeep, Nandu, and Ravi Krishna are all exceptional performers. Unfortunately, we sometimes underestimate our own people. I’ve been part of this industry for nearly 30 years and have played several strong negative roles, but perhaps directors didn’t fully explore that side of me earlier.

Do you enjoy lighter films like Missamma as much as intense films like Court and Dhandoraa?

I’ve enjoyed all kinds of films like Missamma, Shailaja Krishnamurthy, and Adirindayya Chandram. As an actor, I’ve always had confidence in my ability to handle comedy, negative roles, and emotionally intense characters. Maybe the timing has worked in my favour now. That said, I’m careful not to repeatedly choose the same type of roles.

What’s next for you after Dhandoraa?

After Dhandoraa, I’ll be seen in Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani. I’m also part of Epic, directed by Aditya Hassan. It’s shaping up to be a deeply emotional film with several powerful moments that will strongly connect with families, especially fathers and sons.