Rana Daggubati has teamed up with filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj for the upcoming Tamil film Neelira (A Long Night), set to release on April 3. Ahead of its release, the duo spoke about the film and the significance of such storytelling in an exclusive interaction.
During the conversation, Rana also reflected on his experience working on Baahubali, where he portrayed the iconic antagonist Bhallaladeva. When asked if any particular scene took a physical or mental toll on him, the actor explained that the challenge wasn’t limited to a single moment.
He shared that the film was shot over nearly six years, and most scenes were equally demanding. Rana noted that the team was essentially discovering how to create a film of that scale for the first time, pushing boundaries in action choreography and visual effects. He credited director S. S. Rajamouli and the entire crew for coming together to realize such an ambitious vision, adding that sustaining that level of intensity over such a long period was rare.
Rana further emphasized that the long production timeline itself was a milestone, driven by the excitement of doing something never seen before on screen. He described the thrill of performing grand sequences—like riding a chariot or wielding a mace—knowing audiences would witness them for the first time, as a feeling that outweighed all challenges.
The actor also spoke about how the role transformed his physical appearance. Recalling a moment from years after the film’s release, he shared how an immigration officer recognized him as Bhallaladeva despite his changed look. For Rana, that recognition reaffirmed the lasting impact of cinema, proving that films like Baahubali continue to resonate long after their release.