Actor Bhagyashri Borse, who is making her Tamil debut with Dulquer Salmaan’s Kaantha, recently shared an amusing behind-the-scenes anecdote about how Rana Daggubati wasn’t entirely convinced about her casting at first.

Speaking at a pre-release event in Kochi, Bhagyashri recalled her first meeting with the team during the look test in Chennai. “On my first day in Chennai for the look test, Rana garu wasn’t sure about me. He said, ‘The girl looks good, but I’m not sure she knows how to act,’” she said with a laugh.

The actor went on to credit director Selvamani Selvaraj for believing in her potential. “Selvamani sir was very confident. I walked in wearing a nice dress, and Rana garu immediately said, ‘Nope! ‘Not happening!’ she shared. “But after I changed into the costume and performed as Kumari, they were all very happy. That’s when they said, ‘Yes, she’s Kumari.’ So thank you, Rana!”

Rana, who was present at the event, reacted to Bhagyashri’s story with good humour, joking in Telugu, “I don’t understand why I’m always made out to be the villain.”

Set in 1950s Madras, Kaantha features Dulquer Salmaan as TK Mahadevan, alongside Samuthirakani, Rana Daggubati, and Ravindra Vijay. The period drama explores the complex relationship between a legendary Tamil filmmaker, Ayya, and the movie star he helped rise to fame, Chandran.

Produced by Wayfarer Films and Spirit Media, Kaantha was originally slated for release on September 12 but was postponed to make way for Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra. The film is now scheduled to hit theatres on November 14.