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Rana Daggubati turns professional killer

Rana Daggubati entered the acting arena with Sekhar Kammula's Telugu film Leader, a political drama where he played a chief minister.

His second film Dum Maaro Dum marked his debut in Hindi.

His third film is Puri Jagannadh's Telugu film Nenu Naa Rakshasi (NNR), co-starring Ileana. In this love story, Rana plays a professional killer. The film releases on April 29.

Rana tells Radhika Rajamani more about the film.

Was Puri Jagannath's direction instrumental in making you take up the role in Nenu Naa Rakshasi?

I was always fond of Jagan. I had worked on Pokkiri for the special effects when I was running Spirit Media. We are close. When I decided to become an actor, he came up with ideas. But Leader happened, and he was happy that I did that film as nobody does those kinds of films.

There were number of issue-based stories after Leader. But I wanted to do something different. After I signed Dum Maaro Dum, I read a lot of scripts. Then one day, Jagan called me and narrated an idea for 30-40 minutes.

Jagan is a fantastic narrator and his narration was gripping. I went back home and wrote a rough order of the scenes as he had narrated and e-mailed it to him. I told him that I love it.

'I play a dark character in the movie'

What appealed to you about the story?

I liked the style and the dark elements in the movie. The film has a tagline: Is suicide a permanent solution for temporary problems? 

The whole essence is based on people, who killed themselves. Nobody has touched upon this. What goes into the mind of a person ready to commit suicide something I have never heard or experienced. That hooked me on.

So is it gloomy? Is it grey?

There's death, but it's not gloomy. It's not grey either. It's a series of unfortunate incidents which makes the lives of the protagonists like this and how each one takes to it.

What's your role like?

I do wrong things in the past, so it's a dark character. I play a professional killer. The story is of two people with dark past falling in love.

'The story is the USP of the film'

Is there something new to look forward to in the film?

The film is a romantic thriller. The story is the USP of the film. I am an avid movie watcher and I've never seen such a film before.

The music is very fresh. Vishwa and Rehman have composed the music. Anoop did the background score.

How was Ileana as a co-star?

Ileana plays a very complex character. Her performance is absolutely brilliant. I was blown away by her performance. I can't imagine anyone else doing the role. Overall, we had a lot of fun.

You worked with Abhimanyu Singh and Mumaith Khan as well.

Abhimanyu Singh is a great guy to work with. He's very hard working. He is still new to Telugu cinema but is very dedicated.

Mumaith Khan has unbelievable energy. She is a powerhouse performer.

How was it working with Puri Jagannadh?

He is a very chilled out person to work with. He's also a very responsible director.

'I am doing a film with Genelia D'Souza'

The film is shot in Venice.

Yes, it's a very beautiful city. Amol Rathod (of Rakta Charitra fame) has shot the film.

Have you signed any Telugu film?

I am doing a film with Genelia D'Souza called Naa Ishtam, which is directed by Prakash. It's a humorous love story of a very selfish boy.