Prakash Raj turns production designer for Ranga Marthanda; Jayalalitha bags crucial role

Prakash Raj is an actor who constantly reinvents himself. After dabbling with production and direction, the versatile actor has taken up the responsibility of production design for his upcoming drama Ranga Marthanda. 

Besides playing the titular role, he is also working as an assistant director to Krishna Vamsi. "Prakash Raj has gathered all kinds of vintage furniture for the set of his house in the film. He has personally picked rare artefacts, photo frames, and other collectibles from the local market. He also showed no signs of discomfort while giving his shot after four-five hours," informs a source. 

A remake of the acclaimed Marathi drama Natsamrat, Ranga Marthanda showcases the tragic family life of a stage artiste who has retired from acting but is still reeling under the memories of his theatre days.

Also starring Ramya Krishnan, Shivatmika Rajasekhar, Brahmanandam, Rahul Sipligunj and Anasuya Bharadwaj, the film's shoot is currently progressing in Hyderabad.

Jayalalitha bags a crucial role

Veteran actor Jayalalitha, who was last seen playing the Assembly Speaker’s role in Mahesh Babu-starrer Bharat Ane Nenu, has been signed to essay a crucial role in Ranga Marthanda. While the makers remain tight-lipped about her character, we hear that she will be seen in an extremely different role.

“Krishna Vamsi was looking for an actor with a particular look and felt Jayalalitha would perfectly fit into the character of an elderly woman, originally played by Sarita Malpekar. She has started shooting for the film and is delighted to share screen space with Prakash Raj and Ramya Krishnan,” says a source. 

Produced by Abhishek Jawkar and Madhu Kalipu, Ranga Marthanda, which has music by Ilaiyaraaja, is slated for release next summer.