Director Gunasekhar recently shared some interesting insights as the historical drama Rudramadevi celebrates a decade since its release. Inspired by the Hollywood film Braveheart, he revealed that he had planned to make Rudramadevi when he had a strong market as a director.
He explained that after his film Okkadu, he was offered a salary that no other South Indian director had received, and it was at that point he decided to proceed with Rudramadevi. Initially, when he presented the story to the producers, it was described in the press as a film about the Kakatiya dynasty. However, since the producers preferred a female-oriented story, they asked him to change the script. Gunasekhar decided not to alter his vision, and the project was delayed.
Gunasekhar also revealed that he had wanted to work with NTR after Okkadu, but the script was not ready in time, so that plan was postponed. He praised Rudramadevi for transforming a historical tale into a cinematic spectacle, comparing it to the way Baahubali brought a fictional story to life on the screen.
The film starred Anushka Shetty in the lead role, with Rana Daggubati and Allu Arjun also playing key parts. Interestingly, Allu Arjun appeared briefly as Gona Gannareddy, a role that became a highlight of the movie. Gunasekhar revealed that both NTR and Mahesh Babu had also expressed interest in portraying this character.
Released just three months after the first part of Baahubali, Rudramadevi contributed to a remarkable period for Telugu cinema, doubling its fame and earning recognition across India. The film’s success not only established itself as a landmark historical drama but also added a significant achievement to Gunasekhar’s career.
A decade on, Rudramadevi continues to be celebrated for its storytelling, visual spectacle, and powerful performances, leaving a lasting mark in the Telugu film industry and inspiring future historical films.