“Raju Weds Rambai Success Thrills — Chaitanya Jonnalagadda”
Raju Weds Rambai, starring Akhil Raj and Tejaswini, has opened to an extraordinary response, winning over critics and audiences with its heartfelt storytelling. Presented by Dr. Nageshwar Rao Pujari and produced under Dolamukhi Subaltern Films and Monsoon Tales, the film is directed by Sailu Kompati. Released by Vamsi Nandipati Entertainments and Bunny Vas Works, the movie registered strong openings across both Telugu states.
Actor Chaitanya Jonnalagadda, who played the now-popular Venkanna, shared his thoughts on the film’s success and audience reception in an exclusive interview.
Chaitanya expressed his delight, saying,
“The response to Raju Weds Rambai is exactly what we anticipated. We were confident the audience would embrace it wholeheartedly. People are connecting deeply with my character, Venkanna. I’ve been flooded with phone calls. I wasn’t even on social media earlier, but I had to open an account because of the response. I acted in Bubble Gum and HIT 3, but very few even recognized me from those films. Venkanna finally gave me that visibility.”
He added that he approached the character with meticulous preparation:
“I selected specific costumes, grew a beard, applied oil to my hair — everything to create an intimidating personality. The director and I discussed every detail to ensure the character felt real and impactful.”
Chaitanya revealed that he was initially unsure about accepting the role due to prior commitments:
“I was supposed to do a lead role in a People Media Factory project when the Venkanna character came my way. It was a demanding role, and I already had another film in progress. I told producer Rahul I wasn’t sure I could manage both. But he insisted that ETV Win and director Sailu were certain I was the only one who could play Venkanna. I’ve decided to work only when there’s a strong production house or trusted team behind the project because I’ve faced situations where a film I acted in never even released. With ETV Win, Vamsi Nandipati, Bunny Vas, and Venu Udugula involved, I accepted this film with full confidence.”
He showered praise on music director Suresh Bobbili:
“The real hero of this film is Suresh Bobbili. His background score moved audiences to tears. He created beautiful, soul-stirring music. I always said his respect would grow after this film — and that’s exactly what’s happening now.”
Speaking about his personal journey, Chaitanya shared,
“I come from a middle-class family and have faced many struggles. Those experiences help me perform with honesty. When Siddhu became a hero, our family reached stability. Only after securing our financial situation did I enter acting. I don’t want to use my brother Siddhu’s name — I want to prove myself. That’s why I don’t involve him in my film promotions. But yes, I would love to act with him someday if the opportunity arises.”
On the kind of roles he would like to take up, he clarified,
“After Bubble Gum, people in my circle said I’d get father roles. After Venkanna, I know more rural and intense roles will come my way. But I won’t play a disabled character again unless it carries strong emotional depth. I don’t want to get typecast. I don’t over-prepare for roles — I prefer performing based on what I feel in the moment.”
Addressing a recent rumor, he stated,
“I’m not in the US. I stay in Hyderabad, and I’m always reachable. I’m not chasing stardom — stardom is something the audience gives you, not something you run after. I came into the industry after settling in life, so I’m not in a hurry.”
Chaitanya concluded by sharing updates on his upcoming projects:
“I’m currently working on a film directed by Pavan Sadineni starring Rajasekhar, and also on Dulquer Salmaan’s Akashamlo Oka Thara. A few more projects are in discussion as well.”
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