One of the pioneer cinematographers in India, SS Rajamouli’s fantastic work has moved millions of audiences, both in terms of creation and entertainment. The recent documentary on Netflix, Modern Masters, has unfurled several unknown insights from both the filmmaker’s life and works. This documentary sheds light on Rajamouli’s journey, his creative process, and his impact on Indian cinema.
It also features interviews with various actors and industry professionals who have worked closely with him. Providing a deeper understanding of his genius. One of the standout revelations comes from actor Rana Daggubati. He shares intriguing details about his casting in the blockbuster series, Baahubali.
Surprising Revelation By Rana
Rana Daggubati, in one of his revelations in the show, shared how he was not the first choice to portray the antagonist Bhallaladeva in Rajamouli’s hit series, Baahubali. Rana further added a surprising twist to his anecdote. He inquired, “I also asked him, ‘Who’s the actor you went to before you came to me?’. Completing the story, Rana shared that he was astonished to learn that Rajamouli and the makers had tried to reach out to Jason Momoa, the star of Aquaman and Game of Thrones, before him for the role.
Expressing his amazement, Rana mentioned that he felt honored to be considered second to such an international star. “When Shobu told me about this, I thought, ‘Ah, great! It’s Khal Drogo and me, in that order. I said, ‘Okay, that’s a good second number!’” This revelation adds a layer of depth to the casting process and shows the global ambitions Rajamouli had for his film.
Comparing Bhallaladeva and Khal Drogo
Rana Daggubati also made a comparison between his character Bhallaladeva and Jason Momoa’s on-screen persona Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones. He explained the differences in these distinct roles. Emphasized that Bhallaladeva is a character with whom the audience can emotionally connect. Unlike Khal Drogo, who has a more pragmatic and specific purpose to fulfill. Bhallaladeva’s journey is layered with emotional complexities and motivations.
This emotional depth is a testament to Rajamouli’s ability to craft multifaceted characters that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Rana’s portrayal of Bhallaladeva added significant value to the epic narrative of Baahubali, making it a memorable performance.
Rana Daggubati’s Recent and Upcoming Projects
On his professional front, Rana Daggubati continues to explore diverse roles across different film industries. He was last seen in the Tamil film 1945, and later made a notable cameo in the Telugu film Spy. Looking ahead, he is set to star in the film Vettaiyan, spearheaded by none other than Rajinikanth.