Director Sarath Mandava is debuting with 'Ramarao On Duty', which is hitting the screens on July 29. IndiaGlitz spoke with him about the movie, working with Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja, and more. 

Excerpts:

The story is set in 1995 and is based on true incidents that happened before and after that year. Barring social media and telecommunications advancements, nothing much has changed since then. We took care to ensure that the costumes, the vehicles, and other things look authentic. Ravi Teja garu okayed the project in the first sitting itself. 

After the teaser dropped, everyone unanimously said that the film is looking unique. I don't want to use terms like 'pathbreaking'. Let me say that you are going to see a new Ravi Teja in the movie, right from his dialogues to walking style and swag. His character is wholly massy. Let me say that the film is unique right from the word go.

This is an action thriller and it has more than enough meat to make the audience come to theatres. Films like 'Vikram' and 'DJ Tillu' have been patronized by the audience like crazy. 

Anveshi Jain has done a special song. Nikki Tamboli was approached. We also approached a couple of others. Usually, directors receive suggestions from casting directors and others. I felt that Anveshi has the best traction among the faces who were considered. 

When I was an assistant director, I got to work with the likes of Venkatesh garu (during 'Eenadu') and Ajith garu. Ravi Teja garu is a wise person who looks happy-go-lucky on the surface. Ajith garu is a people's man! If I get to work with Pawan Kalyan garu, I will put the ball in his court and ask him what kind of film he wants to do! 

Cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan's work speaks for itself. He has done big Tamil movies like 'Master' and 'Khaithi'. His pattern and work flow are superb. Music director Sam CS is adept at composing BGM for action movies. 'Vikram Vedha' in Tamil is a shining example. I am not a Tamilian. I am a Hyderabadi who was born in Ongole. 

Just because a portion of 'Ramarao On Duty' is based in a jungle, doesn't mean it has similarities with 'Pushpa'. Both films are set in the Chittoor district. 

Actor Venu Thottempudi garu is a businessman. There was a time when his movies were big hits. He stopped doing movies after a point. I wanted to cast someone who is not seen regularly as CI Murali in 'Ramarao On Duty'. The role was offered to Sumanth garu as well. But I didn't pursue it after a point because he is doing lead roles and so might not be interested in a character role. 

'Ramarao On Duty' was first offered to Akkineni Nagarjuna garu at the behest of producer D Siva Prasad Reddy uncle of Kamakshi Movies. But Nag garu was too busy to do this movie at that time. Both he and Ravi Teja garu are open to new ideas. Nani garu too has this quality. When a new director gets to unite with a star hero, he manages to secure a big investment. 

It has been years since directors have been writing the story, screenplay, and dialogues by themselves. We have names like Puri Jagannadh, Koratala Siva, Vivek Athreya, Shiva Nirvana and many more. I have done the same!