Sukumar’s directorial venture, the village-based drama Rangasthalam, was one of the biggest blockbusters of the Telugu film industry, which crushed several records at the box office and won records. Mega Power Star Ram Charan and Samantha Akkineni played the lead roles in this film. One of the strong characters in Rangasthalam was Rangamma Atta, which was essayed by anchor turned actress Anasuya Bharadwaj. With her role, she proved that she is a powerhouse of talent. But Anasuya Bharadwaj was not the first choice of Sukumar for the character of Rangamma Atta. The veteran heroine Raasi was the choice of the director Sukumar to play that role.
When Sukumar narrated the character and look of Rangamma Atta to Raasi, the actress is said to have felt awkward to wear the saree high above knees so she rejected the offer. Later Sukumar offered the role to Anasuya Bharadwaj and she agreed to come on the board. Finally, the role of Rangamma Atta was played by the Anasuya Bhawadwaj in Sukumar’ Rangasthalam.
Raasi has acted in a number of Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada movies. Her first movie was Girafthar in Bollywood. She has worked with Mithun Chakraborty in Rangbaaz, Suraj and Jodidar. Raasi made her debut in Tollywood with Subhakanshalu. She has also played a negative character in Nijam as Gopi Chand’s lover which was helmed by Teja. She was labeled ‘traditional’ after Gokulamlo with Snehithulu, Pandagah, Devulu and Gillikajjalu movie Raasi proved her mettle as an actress.
Currently, Sukumar is busy in the pre-production work of his next upcoming directorial venture in which stylish Star Allu Arjun will play the lead role. Kannada beauty Rashmika Mandanna is on the board to play the love interest of Bunny. The upcoming film of Allu Arjun and Sukumar is expected to go on the floor by the end of this year.