Rangasthalam (transl. 'Theatre' or ‘Stage’) is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film[3] written and directed by Sukumar. Produced by Y. Naveen, Y. Ravi Shankar and C. V. Mohan for the company Mythri Movie Makers, the film stars Ram Charan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu with Aadhi Pinisetty, Jagapathi Babu, Prakash Raj, Naresh, and Anasuya Bharadwaj in key supporting roles. Rangasthalam is set in the eponymous fictional village in the 1980s. It narrates the story of two brothers, Chittibabu (Charan) and Kumar Babu (Pinisetty) who oppose the village's local government and the corrupt co-operative society led by its president Phanindra Bhupathi (Babu).

Rangasthalam
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySukumar
Written bySukumar
Produced byNaveen Yerneni
Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar
Mohan Cherukuri (CVM)
Starring
CinematographyR. Rathnavelu
Edited byNaveen Nooli
Music byDevi Sri Prasad
Production
company
Release date
  • 30 March 2018 (2018-03-30)
Running time
174 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget60 crore[1]
Box officeest. 216 crore[2]

Sukumar started working on the film's script after completing Nannaku Prematho (2016), and collaborated with R. Rathnavelu, who served as the director of photography. Devi Sri Prasad composed the film's soundtrack and score; Naveen Nooli edited the film. One of the first few Indian films to be entirely shot using Red Helium 8K cameras, Rangasthalam's principal photography began in April 2017 with the working title RC11 and lasted until March 2018. Majorly filmed in a village set worth ₹5 crore erected in Hyderabad, ten percent of the film's footage was shot in and around Rajahmundry.

The film was made on a budget of ₹60 crore, and was released globally on 30 March 2018. Rangasthalam received positive reviews from the critics who were particularly appreciative of Sukumar's writing and the performances of the ensemble cast, especially of Ram Charan and Jagapathi Babu although they criticized the length. The film was commercially successful, grossing a total of ₹216 crore, and is among the highest-grossing Telugu films. It also won the National Film Award for Best Audiography. A Kannada-dubbed version of the film titled Rangasthala was released on 12 July 2019. The film is considered one of the "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade" by Film Companion.[4]

Plot

edit

In the 1980s, Chittibabu, a partially deaf and grumpy resident of Rangasthalam, irrigates fields using Kolli Rangamma's electric motor. Phanindra Bhupathi, the feared and respected President of Rangasthalam's Panchayat, controls the village's cooperative society aka 'Society'. The Society seizes Erra Srinu's maize crops over a delayed loan repayment, leading to Srinu's apparent suicide by drowning.

Chittibabu's life changes when his elder brother Kumar Babu returns from working in the Persian Gulf. Kumar Babu is disturbed by the society's high-interest loans and property seizures, which exploit the illiterate villagers. Chittibabu often escorts Kumar Babu to Rajahmundry so he can meet his love interest, Padma. Meanwhile, Chittibabu encounters Ramalakshmi and falls in love with her, though he conceals his hearing impairment.

Chittibabu clashes with Kasi's brothers for misbehaving with Ramalakshmi. She proposes marriage, but he pretends not to hear and leaves immediately. Realizing her proposal later, he sneaks into her home at midnight but accidentally alerts her family due to his impairment. Ramalakshmi denies loving Chittibabu to her family and villagers, leading to misunderstandings and Chittibabu breaking ties with her. Eventually, after protecting a villager from suicide, Ramalakshmi understands Chittibabu's disability and offers to reconcile, but he doesn't relent.

Ramalakshmi, educated enough to grasp the society's deception, protests with Kumar Babu. During a confrontation, Kumar Babu inadvertently assaults a Society employee, leading to a Panchayat hearing. Intimidated, Ramalakshmi's father drags her away, and Bhupathi fines Kumar Babu heavily. Seshu Naidu, the society's president, humiliates Chittibabu and Kumar Babu's father, but everyone represses it from Chittibabu. Upon discovering it, an outraged Chittibabu smacks Naidu and is arrested, though he reconciles with Ramalakshmi before being taken away. Bhupathi refuses to help, prompting Kumar Babu to consult Dakshina Murthy, the local MLA. Kumar Babu decides to contest the Panchayat elections against Bhupathi, aiming to end his 30-year unopposed reign.

Kumar Babu exposes the society's fraudulent deeds, gaining the villagers' support and persuading them to nominate themselves as ward members, including Kasi and his brothers. However, Rangamma mysteriously denies support, upsetting Chittibabu. Upon confrontation, Rangamma reveals that Bhupathi had murdered several villagers, including her husband Ramprasad and Erra Srinu, for opposing him. Concerned for his brother, Chittibabu accepts a bribe from Bhupathi to undermine Kumar Babu's campaign but repents and returns the bribe, confronting Bhupathi instead. Erra Srinu's father, a loyal servant to Bhupathi despite his family's exploitation, overhears Bhupathi admitting to his son's murder. Bhupathi kills Seshu Naidu in a fit of rage after Naidu advises him to step down.

While returning home after meeting Padma, Kumar Babu is ambushed and fatally wounded by Bhupathi's men. Chittibabu uncovers the conspiracy and rushes to protect him, subduing the assassins. However, Kumar Babu is killed by a veiled man while Chittibabu goes to procure first aid. Before dying, Kumar Babu tries to name the perpetrator, but Chittibabu fails to hear it.

Devastated, Chittibabu leads the villagers to Bhupathi's house, but they find he has fled. With a hearing aid, Chittibabu, along with a gang including Kasi, hunts for Bhupathi following the directions of a soothsayer. After Kumar Babu's cremation, Rangamma is unanimously elected as the President of Panchayat. Chittibabu deduces that his brother's dying word was "Srimannarayana" and races to meet Dakshina Murthy, witnessing him being hit by a truck and hospitalizing him.

Chittibabu tends to a comatose Dakshina Murthy for two years, volunteering to care for him despite everyone else giving up on his recovery. Murthy finally recuperates, and Chittibabu goes to meet him at his residence, where celebrations are underway for Murthy’s upcoming minister position. Upon inquiry about Bhupathi, Chittibabu confesses to murdering him but reveals that Kumar Babu's real killer was Dakshina Murthy, who had his henchman Srimannarayana kill Kumar Babu due to his relationship with Padma, Murthy's youngest daughter. Murthy admits his contempt for the relationship, as Kumar Babu belonged to a lower caste. Chittibabu reveals he spared Murthy while he was in coma to murder him when he has aspiration to live. Chittibabu quietly eliminates him, and leaves with his wife Ramalakshmi, spotting Padma and her husband approaching.

Cast

edit

Production

edit

Development

edit

Writer and filmmaker Sukumar discussed the possibility of directing a rural drama with his regular collaborator, cinematographer R. Rathnavelu before the production of the former's directorial 1: Nenokkadine (2014). After completing Nannaku Prematho (2016), Sukumar narrated two story lines to Rathnavelu: a contemporary film with an Indian green revolution backdrop, and a rural drama. Rathnavelu chose the latter and suggested to make it a period drama as it would give them an opportunity to showcase the local culture more effectively.[6] He felt more like a member of the direction team than being a cinematographer during the film's production: "You’ve to think like him [Sukumar] while working with him, and getting into the psychology of the characters helps a lot."[6]

Sukumar approached Mythri Movie Makers in October 2016, and the latter agreed to bankroll the film.[6] The production team wanted to shoot the film in Araku Valley, but Rathnavelu was opposed to the idea. He opined that Rangasthalam is a film which "drew a lot from the locations that it was going to be shot in".[6] The film's crew scouted to locations near Rajahmundry and the Godavari region, and found areas near Kolleru Lake apt for the film's periodic setting. Rathanavelu found acres of grasslands by the riverside. They made it the entrance of the village, a "killing field" where people are murdered, to create an "eerie" mood in the film.[6] Rathnavelu opted for a "muted and earthy" colour palette with no bright shades of yellow, red and blue.[6]

Naveen Nooli, who earlier collaborated with Sukumar for Nannaku Prematho, was signed as the editor.[7] Impressed with their work in Jyo Achyutananda (2016), Sukumar chose Ramakrishna and Mounika to handle both art direction and production design.[8] The film's production formally commenced on 26 February 2017 with the working title RC11.[9] Sukumar fine tuned the script until April 2017.[6] Though the film was initially named Rangasthalam 1985,[10] it was later rechristened to Rangasthalam.[11] The film was produced on a budget of 600 million (US$7.2 million).[1]

Casting

edit

Sukumar met Ram Charan through a common friend Ranga during the filming of Nannaku Prematho and got his approval for the script.[6][12] Charan played Chittibabu, a "partially hearing impaired innocent guy" whose disorder was used to convey all the emotions the character goes through.[13] He sported a bearded look in the film and underplayed the character to make it feel real.[13] Charan also had to master the accent spoken in the Godavari regions, and struggled to match the villagers' speed.[13] Charan was styled by his sister Sushmita Konidela,[14] who had to source fabrics with typical prints that were used in the 1980s.[15] She also had to refer the looks sported by their father, actor Chiranjeevi in his earlier films.[16]

A screen test was conducted on Anupama in January 2017 before selecting her as the female lead,[17] though Samantha Akkineni was finalised later for the same.[18] She played Ramalakshmi, a "typical village belle",[19] and her lines were dubbed by Jyothi Varma.[20] Most of Samantha's portions were filmed during the early mornings and late hours, as she did not like to work in the noon.[6] In an interview with Firstpost, she said that everything about her role in the film was on a different tangent, and that she initially struggled to adjust with the rural environment, as she grew up in the urban areas of Chennai.[21] To prepare for her role, she observed and spent some time with the women in the villages near Rajahmundry, and took inputs from Sukumar who wanted her portrayal of Ramalakshmi seem unrestrained.[21]

Jagapathi Babu was cast as the antagonist; his inclusion was confirmed by the film's crew in January 2017.[22] He played the role of the village head who speaks less and conveys more through his eyes, gestures and body language.[19] Aadhi Pinisetty was cast as the protagonist's brother Kumar Babu, whom Sukumar described as the "personification of the innocence of the [1980s]".[19] Sukumar approached Pinisetty during the shoot of Ninnu Kori (2017) to cast him for the character, which the latter termed as one of his easiest portrayals.[23] Pujita Ponnada, who made her debut with Sukumar's production Darsakudu (2017), was cast as Pinisetty's love interest in the film.[24]

Television presenter Anasuya Bharadwaj was cast as Rangammatha, a 28-year-old woman with a mindset of the 1990s.[25] Sukumar cast her after she successfully auditioned for the role, adding that she had a "divine face".[26] For the role, she sported no makeup and instead opted for a turmeric-smeared look.[25] Prakash Raj and Brahmaji were cast in supporting roles; the latter played the role of a Tehsildar.[27][28] Some of Brahmaji's portions in the film were edited out due to excessive length.[28] In October 2017, Pooja Hegde was signed to perform an item number song "Jigelu Rani" in the film.[29]

Filming

edit

Rangasthalam was majorly filmed in a village set worth 50 million (US$600,000) erected in Hyderabad,[30] with only ten percent of the footage shot in real locations.[8] 400 people worked on the village set for two months.[31] The props were procured from a few antique shops in Rajahmundry and from the old buildings in the nearby villages.[31] Sukumar and Rathnavelu wanted to shoot the film in harsh sunlight, planning to complete by July 2017: "In April and May, the river appears dry and sand looks burnt. People haven't seen Godavari in this angle, in an angry mood. The same river looks different, romantic if the treatment is different."[32] Rangasthalam is one of the first few Indian films to be entirely shot using Red Helium 8K cameras; it was chosen for its "great dynamic range" and for filming sequences under extremely low light conditions.[6] A gimbal was used to support 90% of the film's shoot as the script was conversation-based and involved multiple actors. Rathnavelu also opted to shoot longer takes to capture sequences in real time without being "intrusive".[6]

Principal photography commenced in April 2017; Charan and Samantha joined the film's sets at Rajahmundry where a song on the duo was filmed.[33][34] The first schedule was wrapped on 27 April 2017, in which scenes featuring Charan, Samantha and Pinisetty were filmed.[35] Unable to bear the heat, Samantha fainted on the sets, which resulted in the first schedule being wrapped up a day in advance.[36] Filming was postponed further by a month, concerned with the rising temperatures in the Godavari belt.[37] The film's crew left for Hyderabad in mid-May 2017, where Prakash Raj joined the sets.[38] By the end of June 2017, two major schedules were wrapped up and filming continued near the Papikonda National Park.[39] Some filming locations, scheduled to be submerged under the Polavaram Project, were either deserted or had limited inhabitation.[31] Due to lack of proper communication and facilities, the equipment and the crew traveled in boats to Rajahmundry everyday post wrapping the day's shoot.[8]

In mid-July 2017, the construction of the village set was completed and principal photography resumed at Hyderabad.[30] Key scenes on the film's principal cast were filmed in a 35-day schedule.[40] Due to the rains, M90 Lights were used to bring the harsh burnt-out look.[6] As the grass turned green, Ramakrishna replaced the soil and planted dry grass to maintain the initially planned colour palette.[8] A song on Charan and majority of the supporting cast was filmed in October 2017, which was choreographed by Shobhi.[41] In November 2017, a key action sequence featuring Charan and other supporting actors was shot in a village fair set. By then, majority of the principal photography was wrapped up.[42]

The final schedule commenced in mid-January 2018 near Rajahmundry.[43] A song, choreographed by Prem Rakshith, was filmed on Charan and Samantha on the banks of the Godavari river in the beginning of the schedule.[44] Samantha completed filming for her portions in February 2018.[45] The item number "Jigelu Rani" featuring Pooja Hegde and choreographed by Jani Master was filmed in a set erected at a private studio in Hyderabad.[46] In March 2018, Charan completed filming for his portions, and the principal photography was wrapped.[47]

Themes and influence

edit

Sukumar drew inspiration from the lives of people he knew personally, and incorporated the themes of a corrupt co-operative society controlled by few influential men in the village, and that of young men leaving for the Persian Gulf region to secure employment.[6] Phanindra Bhupathi, being the most powerful man in the village, is shown at least 4–5 feet above everyone else. His house is built on a pedestal, signifying his authority over others.[6] Priyanka Sundar, writing for Hindustan Times, noted that the film focuses on the theme of good versus evil, by making the antagonist display signs of god complex.[48]

Film critic Baradwaj Rangan noted that Rangasthalam exists in the feudal realm of Shyam Benegal's Ankur (1974) and Nishant (1975), and Bapu's Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978). He added that the film is both political and personal drama, with a "morally uplifting social uprising" and "carefully nurtured vigilante justice".[49] Sankeertana Varma, writing for Film Companion, called Rangasthalam an upgraded version of Mana Voori Pandavulu set in a "village where caste is everywhere".[50]

Film critic Karthik Keramalu noted that Rangasthalam explores the themes of caste-based honour killings and so called brahminical patriarchy through Dakshina Murthy's character, a soft-spoken politician.[27][51][52] Sukumar added that he was also inspired from the ethics followed while implementing capital punishment, where the officials would wait until the person recovers from illness and is healthy.[53]

Music

edit

Devi Sri Prasad composed the film's soundtrack and score. The former consists of six songs, all written by Chandrabose.[54] Chandrabose wrote the lyrics at Puducherry after holding discussions with Sukumar and Prasad.[55] He completed writing five songs out of six in four days,[56] with each one taking half an hour to complete.[55] The tunes were composed after Chandrabose completed writing the lyrics.[54]

The first single "Yentha Sakkagunnave", sung by Prasad himself, was released by Lahari Music on 13 February 2018.[57] Two other tracks, "Ranga Ranga Rangasthalana" and "Rangamma Mangamma", were released on 2 and 8 March 2018 respectively.[58][59] "Jigelu Rani" was released on 15 March 2018 and Lahari Music released the soundtrack on 15 March 2018 in YouTube and all other digital platforms.[60] The initial release contained only five tracks; the sixth one was excluded as it contained spoilers about the film's plot.[61]

The sixth track, titled "Orayyo", was a song used in the score for the scenes depicting Kumar Babu's funeral in the film.[62] Sung by Chandrabose himself, "Orayyo" was released on 3 April 2018.[63] The soundtrack received positive reviews from the critics, who were appreciative of the lyrics and Prasad's instrumentation in tune with the film's periodic setting.[64][65][66][67]

Release

edit

Theatrical

edit

In December 2017, the makers announced that Rangasthalam would release globally on 30 March 2018.[68] The global theatrical rights were sold for 80 crore (US$9.6 million),[69] and the film was scheduled to release in 1200 screens.[70] Rangasthalam was released across 600 screens in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, 200 screens in the rest of India, and 350 screens in the overseas markets.[70] In April 2018, the makers announced that the film would be dubbed into Tamil, Malayalam, Bhojpuri and Hindi languages with the same name.[71] In March 2019, a Kannada-dubbed version of the film titled Rangasthala was announced, making Rangasthalam the second Telugu film after Mayabazar (1957) to have a dubbed release in Karnataka.[72] It was released in 150 screens on 12 July 2019.[73] The film's Tamil dubbed version was later released on 30 April 2021.[additional citation(s) needed] The film's Hindi dubbed version was expected to release in theatres by Goldmines Telefilms along with AA Films in February 2022.[74] However, the Hindi release was delayed.

Home media

edit

Star Maa purchased the satellite rights. The film registered a TRP rating of 19.5 on its television premiere.[75] Amazon Prime Video acquired the film's digital rights, made it available online on 12 May 2018, much before the 50th day of theatrical release.[76]

Reception

edit

Box office

edit

Rangasthalam opened to a 100% occupancy in some areas of India, including districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, earning 43.8 crore (US$5.2 million) globally.[77] At the United States box office, the film debuted with earnings of US$640,000 from its premieres in 160 locations,[78] and of US$1,204,578 in two days.[77] The film benefited from the then ongoing strike in Tamil Nadu against digital service providers, and earned 1.01 crore (US$120,000) in its first weekend at Chennai.[79] Rangasthalam grossed 90.5 crore (US$11 million) globally, with a distributor share of 56.96 crore (US$6.8 million) in its first weekend.[80] Rangasthalam's earnings exceeded US$2 million on its third day of theatrical release in the US, becoming the ninth Indian Telugu-language film to do so.[81]

By the end of its first week, the film grossed 127.1 crore (US$15 million) and a distributor share of 79.89 crore (US$9.6 million), achieving break-even.[82] After earning more than US$3 million in 9 days in the US, Rangasthalam became the all-time third highest grossing Telugu film in that country.[83] In 31 days, it had grossed a worldwide total of 200 crore (US$24 million) and a distributor share of 117 crore (US$14 million), becoming the third-highest grossing Telugu film of all time. In 33 days, the film crossed US$3.5 million mark in the US.[84] In its complete global theatrical run, Rangasthalam grossed a total of 216 crore (US$26 million) and earned a distributor share of 123.6 crore (US$15 million), becoming the highest grossing Telugu film of that year.[85]

Critical response

edit
The performances of Charan and Babu were praised by critics.[86][87]

Rangasthalam received positive reviews from the critics who were particularly appreciative of Sukumar's writing and the performances of the ensemble cast; they were critical of the film's slow pace and runtime nearing three hours.[86][87][88]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 100% based on five reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10.[89]

Baradwaj Rangan called Rangasthalam an "unusual masala movie" whose punch moments "arise organically from the screenplay" which aren't just "a shot or a line set up simply to get the pulse pounding at regular intervals". Rangan added that Sukumar "works with a larger vision", and "leaves behind his fingerprints" in what he called the "most hodgepodge of genres".[49] Subhash K. Jha, in his review for the Indo-Asian News Service, called Rangasthalam a film "from the heart" and wrote that it "plays itself out with a karmic velocity giving the main characters a chance to grow without revelling in their dazzle [sic]". Jha praised the performances of Charan and Babu, in particular, adding that the former "remains almost flawlessly in character," which was "diffident and disarmingly disingenuous, valiant but not fearless".[90]

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo, in her review for The Hindu, likened Rangasthalam to a novel: "In its first few pages, this fictitious dusty village of the [1980s] reveals itself gradually. The dialect is rooted, not a generic one that mainstream films present in a broad brushstroke for instant appeal." Dundoo opined that it was the most defining film for both Sukumar and Charan, adding that it marked the latter's rise as an actor.[91] Neeshita Nyayapati of The Times of India called Charan's performance "stupendous"; she wrote, "Be it in the scenes where he oozes childishness or the ones when you see a broken man that no one can heal, you can see it all in the way his eyes emote."[92] Manoj Kumar R, reviewing for The Indian Express, called Rangasthalam a "well-crafted canvas" which was made with "honesty and high regard for the audience". He found Babu's portrayal of the village's president "convincing".[93]

Hemanth Kumar was particularly appreciative of Sukumar's writing in his review for Firstpost. He wrote, "To narrate a political drama is one thing, but to create such an universe within the parameters of a revenge drama is sheer brilliance. The more you dig into Rangasthalam, the more rewarding it is." Kumar called the climax "explosive" and remarked, "Adjectives don’t do enough justice to what [the film] manages to achieve in the end."[94] Murali Krishna CH of The New Indian Express too praised the climax, stating that Sukumar "weaves his magic wand" towards the end with an "interesting" twist. However, he was critical of the film's narrative, opining that it "lingers too long" in certain sequences, which made them look staged.[95] Calling the film a "well designed mass entertainer" with a "clearly and adamantly rural" narrative, K Naresh Kumar of The Hans India wrote, "As the disunited denizens slowly unite under the saviour, the story takes its interesting twists and turns with a very gripping climax to elevate the film altogether."[96] In contrast, Nagarjuna Rao, in his review for Gulf News, found Rangasthalam a "gripping" tale with a "predictable" end. He called Babu's performance "domineering" and added that the film "could well be" Charan's career best.[97] Similarly, Latha Srinivasan opined that the climax was "a bit of a let-down". In her review for NewsX, she felt that the ending "could have been better written" to "pack a punch rather than just add a twist".[98]

Krishna Sripada was critical of the climax as well. Reviewing the film for The News Minute, he wrote, "Rangasthalam gives you likable characters in a screenplay that aims to touch dizzying heights without packing enough fuel. A story that makes you wait and wait should offer more when it eventually comes to a close."[99] Priyanka Sundar called Prakash Raj the film's game changer towards the end. Sunder wrote that Raj stuns the viewers in the scene "because of the way all of it is presented".[48] Sify, in its review, noted that the film holds the viewers' attention till the end despite the lengthy runtime and slow pace. It praised the performances of the ensemble cast, the cinematography, and the music but was critical of the film's plot for lacking novelty.[100] Suresh Kavirayani of Deccan Chronicle too opined that Rangasthalam had a regular storyline but was presented by Sukumar in a unique way.[101] Film Companion while compiling the 25 Greatest Telugu Films of the Decade, called this movie as an updated version of Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978).[102] Nagarjuna Rao of Gulf News gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and stated, "There comes a career best for all actors at some point of time. Rangasthalam could well be Ram Charan’s, though he’s not been in the showbiz for too long, and there’s still a long innings ahead of him. Rangasthalam may not set the cash registers ring like some of Charan’s successful movies — and he’s had a few failures, too — but the film will remain as one of his best."[103]

Accolades

edit

At the 66th National Film Awards, the film won the Best Audiography.[104] It won ten awards at Zee Cine Awards Telugu.[105] The film won many awards at Filmfare Awards South and South Indian International Movie Awards.[106][107]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Nyayapati, Neeshita (3 April 2018). "'Rangasthalam' box office collections day one: Ram Charan and Samantha starrer is expected to have crossed Rs 40 Cr mark worldwide". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  2. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (23 November 2018). "Tollywood box office report of 2018: highest grossing Telugu movies of year; List of hits and flops". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  3. ^ "Rangasthalam Box Office Collection: Big feat! Ram Charan, Samantha movie earns Rs 100 in just 4 days". Financial Express. 3 April 2018. Archived from the original on 10 August 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  4. ^ "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade | Film Companion". www.filmcompanion.in. Archived from the original on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  5. ^ Paul, Papri. "Pooja Hegde sizzles as Jigelu Rani". Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Hemanth Kumar, C R (4 April 2018). "'Rangasthalam': Director Sukumar and cinematographer Rathnavelu on the making of the film". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  7. ^ Chowdary, Y Sunita (24 February 2018). "Editor Naveen Nooli: A name to reckon with". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 July 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  8. ^ a b c d Chowdary, Y Sunita (28 February 2018). "Rangasthalam: The stage is set". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  9. ^ "Chiranjeevi launches Ram Charan-Sukumar's 'RC11'". The Times of India. 26 February 2017. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  10. ^ Jayakrishnan (9 June 2017). "Ram Charan — Sukumar period saga named Rangasthalam 1985". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  11. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (9 December 2017). "Rangasthalam first look poster released, film to hit screens on March 30, 2018". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  12. ^ "Ram Charan stuns in new film". PressReader. Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  13. ^ a b c Murali Krishna, CH (27 March 2018). "Ram Charan underplayed Chitti Babu in 'Rangasthalam' to make him look real". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  14. ^ "Ram Charan to be styled by sister Sushmita". The Times of India. 7 March 2017. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  15. ^ Jha, Neha (17 December 2017). "Styling for Sibling". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  16. ^ Paul, Papri (17 December 2017). "Chiranjeevi inspired Ram Charan's rustic look in 'Rangasthalam'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  17. ^ "Anupama didn't demand high remuneration for Charan-Sukumar film, clarifies production house". The Indian Express. 27 January 2017. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  18. ^ "Samantha starts shooting for Ramcharan-Sukumar's project at Rajahmundry". The Times of India. 4 April 2017. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  19. ^ a b c Nyayapati, Neeshita (29 March 2018). "The ordinary characters that inhabit the extraordinary world of Rangasthalam". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  20. ^ Rao, Ananya (30 May 2018). "Is Jyothi Varma, Samantha's voice in 'Rangasthalam', the new Chinmayi?". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  21. ^ a b Kumar, Hemanth (1 April 2018). "Samantha opens up on Rangasthalam and how she transformed herself to play a villager in the film". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 27 July 2019. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  22. ^ "Ram Charan goes fully rural for his next movie". The New Indian Express. Indo-Asian News Service. 31 January 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  23. ^ Chowdary, Y Sunita (27 March 2018). "On a positive note". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  24. ^ Jonnalagedda, Pranita (27 March 2018). "Sukumar is my mentor: Pujita Ponnada". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  25. ^ a b Chowdary, Y Sunita (22 March 2018). "In her own SPACE". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  26. ^ Sriram, Purnima (4 April 2018). "I came as a surprise: Anasuya Bharadwaj". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  27. ^ a b Keramalu, Karthik (9 June 2018). "'Kaala': Decoding Rajinikanth's Nemesis, Nana Patekar as Hari Dada". The Quint. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  28. ^ a b Chowdary, Y Sunita (26 April 2018). "Brahmaji is revelling in recognition that's long due". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  29. ^ "Rangasthalam: Pooja Hegde to do a song". Sify. 6 October 2017. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  30. ^ a b Shalini, S R (19 July 2017). "Ram Charan starrer 'Rangasthalam 1985' team to shoot in a 5 Crore worth set!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  31. ^ a b c Murali Krishna, CH (9 March 2018). "Reliving the memoirs of Rangasthalam". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  32. ^ Chowdary, Y Sunita (19 February 2018). "R Rathnavelu on making dual headway". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  33. ^ "RC 11: Ram Charan starts shooting for Sukumar film in Rajahmundry". The Indian Express. 2 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  34. ^ "Samantha starts shooting for Ramcharan-Sukumar's project at Rajuhmundry". The Times of India. 3 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  35. ^ "Ram Charan- Sukumar upcoming flick's first schedule to wrap up soon". The Times of India. 23 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  36. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (28 April 2017). "Samantha faints on the sets!". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  37. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (2 May 2017). "Ram Charan's film shoot cancelled". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  38. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (17 May 2017). "Ram Charan sweats it out". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  39. ^ Gupta, Rinku (24 June 2017). "Straddling two worlds". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  40. ^ Jonnalagedda, Pranita (20 July 2017). "A huge set for Ram Charan's next 'Rangasthalam'". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  41. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (27 October 2017). "Ram Charan is back to song and dance!". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  42. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (8 November 2017). "Ram Charan's village action". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  43. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (19 January 2018). "Rangasthalam team heads to Rajamundhry, Ram Charan thrilled to feel closer to river Godavari". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  44. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (19 January 2018). "Ram Charan back to Godavari banks". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  45. ^ "Samantha Akkineni wraps up shoot for Ram Charan's Rangasthalam". The Indian Express. 4 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  46. ^ Jonnalagedda, Pranita (6 February 2018). "Pooja Hegde commences shoot for special number". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  47. ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita (19 February 2018). "Ram Charan wraps up shoot for Sukumar's 'Rangasthalam'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  48. ^ a b Sundar, Priyanka (30 March 2018). "Rangasthalam movie review: Ram Charan, Samantha Akkineni film beats the formula". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  49. ^ a b Rangan, Baradwaj (31 March 2018). "Rangasthalam Movie Review". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  50. ^ Varma, Sankeertana (16 October 2019). "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 20 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  51. ^ Keramalu, Karthik (27 December 2018). "The 5 Best And The 5 Worst Telugu Films Of 2018". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  52. ^ "After Agnyathaavaasi, Ram Charan's Rangasthalam faces plagiarism charges". India Today. 29 May 2018. Archived from the original on 21 July 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  53. ^ Sekar, Raja (31 May 2018). "Rangasthalam in fresh plagiarism row with parallels drawn to Anjaam, Sidney Sheldon's A Stranger in the Mirror". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 21 July 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  54. ^ a b Chowdary, Y Sunita (15 February 2018). "Chandra Bose: good words make his music". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  55. ^ a b Ravichander, L.; Dasagrandhi, Maruthi; Tanmayi, Bhawana; Prasad, Ramakrishna (15 April 2018). "Setting a grand sepia stage". Telangana Today. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  56. ^ Sridhar, Adivi (29 March 2018). "Music of Rangasthalam has become a rage in Chennai too: Devi Sri Prasad". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  57. ^ H Hooli, Shekhar (14 February 2018). "Rangasthalam first song review: Yentha Sakkagunnaave is a soulful song and enchants all with its melody". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  58. ^ H Hooli, Shekhar (2 March 2018). "Rangasthalam second single released: Will it break Yentha Sakkagunnaave's record?". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  59. ^ H Hooli, Shekhar (8 March 2018). "Rangasthalam 3rd song Rangamma Mangamma unveiled as Women's Day treat". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  60. ^ H Hooli, Shekhar (15 March 2018). "Rangasthalam jukebox hits internet: Song album crosses half-million views in 12 hours". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  61. ^ H Hooli, Shekhar (26 March 2018). "Rangasthalam 6th song: Ram Charan reveals the reason why it's not released". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  62. ^ "కంటతడి పెట్టిస్తున్న రంగస్థలం 'ఓరయ్యో' సాంగ్" ['Orayyo' from Rangasthalam making listeners emotional]. Andhra Jyothy (in Telugu). 3 April 2018. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  63. ^ "రంగ‌స్థ‌లం నుండి ఓర‌య్యో సాంగ్ విడుద‌ల‌" [Orayyo from Rangasthalam released today]. Namaste Telangana (in Telugu). 3 April 2018. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  64. ^ Ramadugu, Mridula (30 March 2018). "Rangasthalam music review: Devi Sri Prasad's soundtrack perfectly reflects rural essence of Ram Charan-starrer". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  65. ^ "Devi Sri Prasad is the other hero of the Telugu hit 'Rangasthalam'". Scroll.in. 2 April 2018. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  66. ^ Sundar, Priyanka (15 March 2018). "Rangasthalam audio review: The music of Ram Charan, Samantha Akkineni film offers rustic charm". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  67. ^ Yellapantula, Suhas (17 March 2018). "Music review: Rangasthalam". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  68. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (9 December 2017). "Rangasthalam first look poster released, film to hit screens on March 30, 2018". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  69. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (26 March 2018). "Rangasthalam pre-release business: Ram Charan starrer beats Chiranjeevi's Khaidi No. 150 record". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  70. ^ a b Hooli, Shekhar H (28 March 2018). "Rangasthalam set for record release: Ram Charan starrer gets huge advance booking". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  71. ^ "Following its stupendous success, 'Rangasthalam' to be dubbed in four languages". The News Minute. 14 April 2018. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  72. ^ "Kannada version of Ram Charan-Sukumar's Rangasthalam to be released by Jack Manju". Cinema Express. 3 March 2019. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  73. ^ "Kannada version of Rangasthalam to release on July 12". The News Minute. 1 July 2019. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  74. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Ram Charan's Rangasthalam ready for theatrical release in Hindi; Mersal & Viswasam expected too". Pinkvilla. 17 January 2022. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  75. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (16 November 2018). "Geetha Govindam TRPs: Vijay starrer beats Rangasthalam, Bharat Ane Nenu to be at Top 1 in 2018". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  76. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (1 July 2019). "Watch Rangasthalam, Bharat Ane Nenu on this website, if you missed them in theatres". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  77. ^ a b Hooli, Shekhar H (31 March 2018). "Rangasthalam first day box office collection: Ram Charan starrer crosses Rs 43.80 crore mark". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  78. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (30 March 2018). "Rangasthalam US premieres box-office collection: Sukumar scores biggest opener for Ram Charan". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  79. ^ Upadhyaya, Prakash (2 April 2018). "Rangasthalam, Baaghi 2 gain from Kollywood strike, rule Chennai box office". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  80. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (3 April 2018). "Rangasthalam 4-day box office collection: Ram Charan's film crosses Rs 100 crore". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  81. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (1 April 2018). "Rangasthalam US box office collection: Ram Charan film crosses $2 million". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  82. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (7 April 2018). "Rangasthalam 8-day box office collection: Ram Charan film beats JLK's lifetime record". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  83. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (8 April 2018). "Rangasthalam 9-day US box office collection: Ram Charan movie crosses $3 million". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  84. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H (2 May 2018). "Rangasthalam box-office collection: Ram's film crosses $3.5 million in US, Rs 200 crore worldwide". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  85. ^ "Top 5 highest grossing Telugu films of 2018". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 May 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  86. ^ a b H Hooli, Shekhar (30 March 2018). "Rangasthalam review: Critics wowed by Sukumar's script, Ram Charan & Samantha's performances". International Business Times India. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  87. ^ a b "Rangasthalam movie reviews: This Ram Charan film is a winner". India Today. 30 March 2018. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  88. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (18 May 2018). "Rangasthalam completes 50 days at theatres, emerges as one of the biggest grossers of 2018". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  89. ^ "Rangasthalam (2018)", Rotten Tomatoes, Fandango, retrieved 10 October 2021
  90. ^ K. Jha, Subhash (30 March 2018). "Ram Charan Teja transforms in 'Rangasthalam' (Review: Rating ***)". Business Standard. Indo-Asian News Service. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  91. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (30 March 2018). "'Rangasthalam' review: Several aspects to savour". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 July 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  92. ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita (30 March 2018). "Rangasthalam Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 July 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  93. ^ Kumar, R Manoj (31 March 2018). "Rangasthalam movie review: Ram Charan Teja delivers a career-best performance". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 July 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  94. ^ Kumar, Hemanth (30 March 2018). "Rangasthalam movie review: Ram Charan, Samantha and ensemble cast shine in Sukumar's gritty film". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  95. ^ Murali Krishna, CH (30 March 2018). "'Rangasthalam' movie review: A visual extravaganza with strong performances". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  96. ^ Naresh Kumar, K (31 March 2018). "Ram Charan rules the stage". The Hans India. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  97. ^ Rao, Nagarjuna (31 March 2018). "'Rangasthalam' film review: Ram Charan is a powerhouse". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  98. ^ Srinivasan, Latha (30 March 2018). "Rangasthalam Movie Review: Ram Charan steals the show!". NewsX. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  99. ^ Krishna, Sripada (30 March 2018). "'Rangasthalam' review: Ram Charan is the show-stealer in this watchable affair". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  100. ^ "Rangasthalam review: Ram Charan steals the show!". Sify. 30 March 2018. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  101. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (1 April 2018). "Rangasthalam movie review: A village tale well set for Ram Charan". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  102. ^ "25 Greatest Telugu Films of the Decade | Film Companion". Archived from the original on 17 October 2019.
  103. ^ "'Rangasthalam' film review: Ram Charan is a powerhouse". gulfnews.com. Archived from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  104. ^ "66th National Film Awards for 2018 announced". Press Information Bureau. 9 August 2019. Archived from the original on 10 August 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  105. ^ "Tollywood's first and biggest Awards event of the Year on Zee Telugu". Zee News. 25 January 2019. Archived from the original on 9 February 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  106. ^ "SIIMA 2019: Vijay Deverakonda and Keerthy Suresh win big. See pics". Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  107. ^ "Winners of the 66th Filmfare Awards (South) 2019". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
edit