Satya Dev, how would you describe Rao Bahadur in simple terms?
Satya Dev: It’s a psychological thriller, but not in a conventional way. It blends magical realism and dark comedy. At first glance, some visuals may feel eerie or even horror-like, but every element has a meaning that unfolds as the story progresses.

What makes you so confident about this film?
Satya Dev: Everyone who has seen the film has reacted strongly to it. Even Mahesh Babu used the same phrase—that it feels like a Telugu film unlike anything we’ve seen before. That kind of consistency in response gives me confidence, because it comes directly from the film.

You’ve said this could be a turning point in your career. Why do you feel that?
Satya Dev: I genuinely feel people will look at my journey as “before Rao Bahadur and after Rao Bahadur.” That’s the kind of impact I believe it has. It’s not just another film for me—it’s a defining experience.

Tell us about your character Ramappa.
Satya Dev: Ramappa is completely unlike anything I’ve played before. He has no real-world reference point. It’s an intense, almost insane character. During shooting, I was so immersed that it sometimes felt like I wasn’t playing him, but becoming him.

What kind of preparation did this role require?
Satya Dev: The makeup itself took nearly five hours every day, and removing it took another hour and a half. But honestly, physical transformation was the easier part. The real challenge was mental preparation. I had to stay in that headspace for long hours every day.

How demanding was the shoot schedule?
Satya Dev: I mentally prepared myself for sixteen-hour workdays. Once I accepted that, I actually enjoyed the process. It was exhausting, but creatively very fulfilling.

What is the film’s storyline setting?
Satya Dev: It is set between the 1960s and 1990s. The story revolves around a wandering man who returns to his ancestral palace, Bhuvanalayam, and everything changes after that. It triggers a series of unusual and unpredictable events.

How important are the supporting characters in the film?
Satya Dev: Very important. Especially Deepa Thomas, my co-star. The emotional thread of the love story is one of the strongest parts of the film. Every actor has contributed deeply to their role.

You worked with Mahesh Babu earlier too. How does this collaboration feel different?
Satya Dev: I worked with him in Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, but my scene didn’t make the final cut. So hearing him now introduce my film with his voice-over feels very special. That moment is priceless for me.

What do you expect from the audience after release?
Satya Dev: I believe Telugu audiences always welcome new storytelling. I hope Rao Bahadur gives them something fresh from within our own industry, not just something imported from outside.

Finally, what does Rao Bahadur mean to you personally?
Satya Dev: It’s not just a film. It’s a very intense creative journey. I don’t know how people will react yet, but I know it pushed me as an actor in ways I hadn’t experienced before.