With the countdown to Ugadi already fueling excitement, Raashii Khanna recently sat down with the media to discuss her upcoming high-octane entertainer, Ustaad Bhagat Singh. Reuniting the blockbuster duo of Power Star Pawan Kalyan and "Cult Captain" Harish Shankar, the film is produced by the industry giants Mythri Movie Makers.
Scheduled for a grand theatrical debut on March 19, the film promises to be a "super-hit" celebration. Here are the highlights from Raashii’s candid conversation:
A Dream Realized: Joining the "Pawanism" Phenomenon
Raashii revealed that she didn't even need to hear the script before saying yes. Having heard about the legendary Pawanism since her debut, she had long harbored a wish to share the screen with the Power Star.
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Her Role: Raashii portrays Shloka, a modern girl with a well-defined character arc.
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The Mass Appeal: Fans can look forward to a high-energy mass song featuring Raashii, who expressed her excitement about getting to showcase her dancing skills.
On-Set Insights: Working with the Power Star
Describing Pawan Kalyan as a man of few words but great depth, Raashii noted his simplicity and constant habit of reading books.
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Inspirational Conversations: During their first meeting, they discussed her original ambition to become an IAS officer.
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A Humanitarian Leader: She noted how Kalyan's focus is always on the welfare of the people, which has inspired her to consider more public service.
Directorial Brilliance & Production Standards
Raashii had high praise for director Harish Shankar, calling him "smart" and perfectly in tune with the "pulse of the masses."
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Efficient Filming: She marveled at how Shankar completed a massive project—typically requiring 120 days—in a mere 40 days, often writing powerful punch dialogues on the fly.
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The Mythri Touch: She lauded Naveen Yerneni and Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar for their "no-compromise" approach to the budget and for providing a creative sanctuary for the cast and crew.
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Two Heroines: Regarding her co-star Sreeleela, Raashii clarified that both characters have distinct importance and separate screen space, ensuring neither role is diluted.
Release Expectations: A "Vintage" Celebration
Raashii is confident that Ustaad Bhagat Singh will recreate the magic of Gabbar Singh.
"It is a complete family film," she shared. "Releasing during the Ugadi festival, it offers the perfect mix of entertainment. Fans are going to witness the vintage Pawan Kalyan they have been missing."
What’s Next for Raashii Khanna?
The actress is currently navigating a packed schedule across multiple industries:
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Hindi Cinema: An upcoming project with Akshay Kumar and the much-awaited Farzi Season 2.
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Digital Space: An Amazon series where she portrays a Punjabi police officer.
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Tamil Cinema: The film Rowdy & Co.
