"Dhandoraa Is Drawn from Real Village Incidents," Reveals Director

After producing unique films like Colour Photo and the blockbuster Bedurulanka 2012, Loukya Entertainments head Ravindra Banerjee Muppaneni is coming back with a strong rural drama titled Dhandoraa. The film is directed by MuraliKanth and stars Shivaji in a central role, along with Navdeep, Nandu, Ravi Krishna, Manika Chikkala, Mounika Reddy, Bindu Madhavi, Radhya, and Aditi Bhavaraju.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 25. Dhandoraa is set in a Telangana village and focuses on events that happen before a cremation, not after. Talking about his journey, MuraliKanth said, “I am from Medak, and cinema was always my dream. I worked in the US with TCS, but that life never gave me satisfaction. Even though it was stable, I felt empty.”

He added, “I attended filmmaking workshops, gained confidence, resigned from my job, and returned to India. I already had a core idea, and I wanted to tell a rooted story instead of a commercial one.” The director said literature played a big role in shaping his thoughts. “Writers like Kesava Reddy, Yandamoori Veerendranath, and K. Bala Gopal opened my eyes to worlds many people don’t know exist.”

MuraliKanth explained how real-life incidents inspired the film. “I personally saw how cremation grounds are divided based on caste. That shock stayed with me. Caste discrimination does not end even after death.”

When compared to Balagam, he clarified, “Balagam talks about what happens after cremation. My film is about what happens before cremation. The problems, the conflicts, and the painful questions that arise at that moment form the heart of Dhandoraa.”

Speaking about the characters, he said, “Shivaji’s character is central, but every other character is deeply connected to him. This is not an anthology. It is one strong, single narrative.”

On Bindu Madhavi’s role, MuraliKanth shared, “She has a very powerful character. I naturally write strong women because I grew up watching women take important decisions in my family.”

Addressing caste issues, he said, “They still exist, two hundred percent. Laws alone cannot change society. People themselves must change.”

Concluding, the director said, “Dhandoraa will emotionally move audiences. They will walk out of the theatre carrying a powerful and uplifting feeling that stays with them.”