Veteran actor Shivaji, celebrated for portraying complex and powerful roles, is returning with yet another thought-provoking performance in his upcoming film Dhandoraa. Directed by MuraliKanth and produced by Ravindra Banerjee Muppaneni under the Loukya Entertainments banner — known for acclaimed projects like Colour Photo and Bedurulanka 2012 — the film is set for a big theatrical release on December 25.
The movie features an impressive ensemble including Navdeep, Nandu, Ravi Krishna, Bindu Madhavi, Manika Chikkala, Mounika Reddy, Radhya, and Aditi Bhavaraju. During a recent media interaction, Shivaji opened up about his role, his approach to the film, and why Dhandoraa stands out from typical commercial dramas.
Shivaji on Choosing Dhandoraa
The actor revealed that he had heard the story of Dhandoraa long before the film Court even began production. “The story struck me instantly,” he shared. “My character was unlike anything I had done before. Though there were delays, I always believed this project deserved to be made.”
A Character Shrouded in Moral Ambiguity
Talking about his role, Shivaji described it as a character that challenges audience perception. “He’s a farmer, but his morality is layered. Viewers won’t be able to label him easily as good or bad,” the actor said. He emphasized that every character in the film has narrative relevance and emotional weight — not just the protagonist.
A Fine Balance of Message and Entertainment
Shivaji was keen to clarify that Dhandoraa isn’t a preachy film. “It carries emotion and realism but remains a full-fledged commercial entertainer,” he stated. “The beauty lies in its organic screenplay and how naturally it unfolds. That’s what makes it powerfully crafted cinema.”
Building on the Success of Court
After the critical success of his role in Court, expectations are high. Shivaji feels confident that his performance in Dhandoraa will resonate just as strongly. “Roles like these allow me to explore human emotions and conflicts. They’re not easy to come by, and I’m grateful for them,” he noted.
Comparisons and Sensitive Portrayals
Addressing comparisons with films like Vedam or C/o Kancharapalem, the actor praised how Bindu Madhavi’s role has been handled. “Her character is written and treated with a lot of respect and class. Audiences will connect deeply with her emotional journey,” he said.
Working with New-Age Directors
Discussing his collaborations, Shivaji admitted that he enjoys working with emerging filmmakers. “They bring a refreshing energy and fresh perspective,” he observed. “While our industry has immense talent, we often underestimate actors like Navdeep, Nandu, and Ravi Krishna who are top-tier performers.”
On Exploring Versatile Roles
Reminiscing about lighter films such as Missamma and Adirindayya Chandram, Shivaji said he enjoys balancing comedy and serious roles. “I’ve always believed in my versatility,” he shared. “Whether it’s emotion, humor, or grey shades, I like to surprise myself with every project.”
What’s Next?
The actor concluded by revealing details about his upcoming ventures — Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani and Epic, directed by Aditya Hassan. “Epic is particularly close to my heart,” he added. “It’s emotionally charged and explores father-son bonds in a way that will move audiences.”
