Rangayana Raghu, a seasoned Kannada actor with three decades of experience in the film industry, is currently navigating an exhilarating new chapter in his illustrious career. Known for his impeccable comic timing and consistency as a character actor, Raghu is now taking center stage, shouldering entire films and delivering performances that are receiving critical and popular acclaim. His latest ventures, “Shakahahaari” and “Moorane Krishnappa,” are among the highlights set to release in 2024, positioning him as a formidable lead actor.
Raghu’s rise to prominence was built on a foundation of strong supporting roles where his flawless dialogue delivery and distinctive mannerisms endeared him to audiences. However, his recent projects mark a significant shift, allowing him to explore a broader range of complex characters. His excitement for these roles is palpable, particularly because they let him delve into diverse Kannada dialects, showcasing the rich linguistic heritage of his home state.
“Sandeep Sunkad, the director of Shakhahaari, is from Shivamogga. The story unfolds in Thirthahalli, a town in Shivamogga. He had a strong hold over the kind of Kannada spoken in the district. Once I picked up the dialect, it was easy to live that character,” Raghu explains, underscoring the importance of linguistic authenticity in his performance.
“Shakhahaari” presents Raghu in the role of Subbanna, a cook who owns a small hotel and is a theatre enthusiast harboring a secret love. The thriller plot thickens as Subbanna risks his life to shelter a man accused of murdering his wife. Raghu’s ability to bring nuance and depth to this layered character has captivated audiences. The film has already recorded over one crore streaming minutes on Prime Video following a successful run in theatres.
“I was impressed by the story. Subbanna loves his small little world and wants to enjoy life. But what happens when he must protect his dubious acts and hope for a bright future? This sort of challenging situation makes the character very vulnerable. And the film has several twists to keep you hooked,” Raghu notes, highlighting the complex emotional dynamics at play.
The darker facets of Subbanna’s character did elicit mixed reactions from the audience. “Some found it hard to digest,” Raghu reveals, drawing a parallel to characters in classical literature such as Kaikeyi from the Ramayana—important, yet often not well-liked due to their moral ambiguity.
Raghu’s versatility shines through in “Moorane Krishnappa,” where he plays a panchayat leader from a village in Anekal.
. The film’s director, Naveen Narayanaghatta, originates from that region, allowing him to craft authentic dialogue steeped in local slang. Raghu thoroughly enjoyed portraying a man desperate to bring the Chief Minister to a temple inauguration in his village, injecting the character with both humor and pathos.
“Perhaps my long stint with Rangayana (a renowned theatre institute in Mysuru) helped me master comedy. I travelled around the country and performed many humorous plays. People from different regions reacted differently to comedy,” Raghu shares, elaborating on how his extensive theater background has fine-tuned his comedic skills. “So I observed people to understand what works and what won’t in comedy.”
Despite his foray into heavier, more dramatic roles, Raghu remains aware of the perceptions surrounding his career. Many fans have voiced that the Kannada film industry has underutilized his talent, often typecasting him in exaggerated comedic roles. “Being over-the-top is a kind of performance too. Not everyone can pull it off. I agree that I have done formulaic roles, but I have never let my career be monotonous. Filmmakers like Suri (Duniya, Junglee) and Yogaraj Bhat (Gaalipata, Paramathma) have always written unique characters for me. If I feel I am no longer versatile, I will quit this profession,” Raghu asserts.
Looking ahead, Raghu is enthusiastic about his upcoming projects, which he believes will further cement his place in this new phase of his career. “I have played interesting characters in Powder, Agnyathavasi, Uttarakaanda, and Sanju Weds Geetha 2. I can never ditch commercial cinema. However, I want filmmakers to give me roles that make me think. Unique characters bring the best out of you, and it helps you reflect on your personality,” Raghu concludes, signaling a future filled with promising and thought-provoking roles.
Rangayana Raghu’s evolution as an actor is a testament to his enduring appeal and adaptability in the complex and dynamic world of Kannada cinema. As he continues to embrace challenging roles and explore new facets of his craft, audiences can look forward to more engaging performances that not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion.
