For Pragya Jaiswal, who is gearing up for the release of Daaku Maharaaj, there are two reasons to celebrate: One, the film marks her second collaboration with veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna after their previous success with Akhanda, which blended mythological symbolism with an action story. Two, Daaku Maharaaj is set to premiere on her birthday. The upcoming film delves into a high-stakes narrative set in the rugged world of dacoits.
Sharing her excitement about her collaboration with Balakrishna, Pragya shared, “Balakrishna sir is my lucky charm. Working with him once again is such a delight. Daaku Maharaaj is unlike anything we’ve done before, it’s a completely different world, brilliantly crafted by Bobby sir. My character, Kaveri, has so many unique shades, and I’m excited for the audience to see this side of me.”
Balakrishna stars in titular role as a dacoit, with Bobby Deol playing the antagonist. The ensemble cast also includes Shraddha Srinath, Urvashi Rautela, and Chandni Chowdhary. Highlighting the camaraderie among the cast, Pragya remarked, “We all brought something different to the table. We were inspired by Balakrishna sir. Watching him in action is always exciting, his energy is contagious, both on and off the set.”
The film, produced by Suryadevara Nagavamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, was shot in challenging conditions, particularly in Rajasthan’s unforgiving heat and dust. “It was tough. I even fell sick in the early days of the shoot, but the passion and dedication of the team kept me going. Bobby sir’s calmness under pressure and the support from the crew made it a rewarding experience,” she shared.
This project marks Pragya’s first collaboration with director Bobby Kolli, though their professional relationship began years ago. “I met Bobby sir before my debut in Kanche,” she reveals and adds, “We’ve stayed in touch since then but never got the chance to work together. When he approached me for this film, I immediately said yes after watching the teaser. His vision is impeccable, and his calm demeanour creates a positive environment on the sets.”
One of the trailer’s standout visuals features Pragya holding a knife in a ferocious stance. Teasing the moment, she says, “That scene is going to be a surprise for the audience. All I can say is, it’s something to watch out for!”
The film’s January 12 release positions it against major Sankranti releases, including Ram Charan’s Game Changer and Venkatesh’s Sankrantiki Vasthunnam. Reflecting on the festive competition, Pragya says, “Sankranti is such a special time for cinema. It’s a festival of big releases, and I believe every good film finds its audience. I wish the best for all the films releasing alongside ours.”
Adding to the film’s anticipation, is its music, composed by Thaman, whose collaborations with Balakrishna have been widely celebrated. “Thaman is a genius,” Pragya said. “He always brings something fresh to his projects. The songs in Daaku Maharaaj are amazing, but my personal favourite is ‘Rage of Daaku’. The background score elevates the entire experience.”
Reflecting on her experience working with Balakrishna, Pragya shared her admiration for his discipline and dedication. “His discipline is unparalleled. He wakes up at 3.30 am, performs his poojas, works out, and is always arrives on set before anyone else. Despite his superstardom, he’s grounded and incredibly committed. It’s inspiring to see how much he still loves the craft after so many years. That’s something I will always carry with me,” she says.
Coming back to release of Daaku Maharaaj, Pragya expresses her elation over the film releasing on her birthday. “It’s the best coincidence ever,” she shares. “Having the release coincide with my birthday and Sankranti feels like one grand celebration. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
