About the June 17th release 'Virata Parvam', Rana Daggubati is absolutely confident. He confesses that the film is Sai Pallavi's Vennela's story. He did the project after director Venu Udugula bowled him over with his narration and research.

Catch him talk about what is inspiring about 'Virata Parvam', working with an ensemble cast, and more.

Highlights:

'Virata Parvam' is the deepest love story I have ever come across. The 1990s is when the story takes place. If Sai Pallavi's character of Vennela is inspired by a real-life character (named Sarala), my character is drawn from the writer-director's imagination. Ravanna is idealistic and is a member of a band of Maoists.

As I read the script, I discovered how profound it was. I must say 'Virata Parvam' is a heavy story that felt like being tossed into the deep sea as I read.

In terms of execution, this film has been shot in real locations. In the past 4 years, I have spent lots of time in jungles. My films have been set in the backdrop of jungles.

Ravanna, my character, has a precise goal as a rebel. He starts out as a doctor, only to become a revolutionary poet and a rebel in the end. His movement comes ahead of family and friendships. That's how he and his band members think. Even Vennela crosses paths with him intentionally with no selfish motive in mind.

As for the title justification, as you all know, Virata Parvam is the name of one of the chapters of the epic Mahabharata. It details the story of exile. There is a similar element of exile in our film as well.

These days, the term 'pan-Indian' has been used more often. Let me state that some stories are meant to be told only in Telugu. 'Virata Parvam' is set in a particular context and region. It is rich in terms of literary flourishes. That's why it has to be told only in Telugu. But the film will definitely be dubbed into Malayalam, Bengali, and Hindi.

A lot of other actors are also playing important roles (Naveen Chandra, Zarina Wahab, Priyamani, Eshwari Rao, and Nandita Das). If you see, female actors are more in number. 'Virata Parvam' is a women's story.

Sai Pallavi is a great actress. Vennela is a unique character that only she could have essayed. Her simplicity and purity seeped into the character she has played.

Two cinematographers have worked. Dani Lopez and Divakar Mani have lent visual richness. The former was not available during the pandemic.

As a producer, I have lent my name to 'Bommalata', 'C/O Kancharapalem', and now '777 Charlie' before. I do it only if I find the film unique. 'Virata Parvam' is a unique film.