Ritesh Rana

Last updated

Ritesh Rana
Ritesh-rana-interview2.jpg
Born
Ritesh Rana

Occupations
  • Film director
  • screenwriter
Years active2019-present

Ritesh Rana is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Telugu cinema. He has made significant contributions to the realm of unconventional crime capers in Telugu cinema. He made his directorial debut in 2019's comedy thriller, Mathu Vadalara , which also marked the debut of Sri Simha Koduri, the younger son of M. M. Keeravani. [1] Post the success of the film, he made Happy Birthday , which starred Lavanya Tripathi in a dual role. [2] He later directed Mathu Vadalara 2, the much-anticipated sequel to his debut film. The sequel, known for its inventive narrative and dark humor, became a blockbuster hit, further solidifying Ritesh Rana’s reputation as a filmmaker with a unique voice in Telugu cinema. [3] [4]

Contents

Career

Ritesh Rana made his mark with his debut film, Mathu Vadalara , a 2019 crime comedy. [5] The film, described as his calling card, showcased his ability to weave unconventional narratives. [6] The film was notable for its introduction of a quirky television serial called Ori Naa Kodaka. [7]

Ritesh Rana ventured into his second project, Happy Birthday , a surreal crime comedy thriller. Released in 2022, the film features Lavanya Tripathi in the lead and double role, supported by an ensemble cast. [8] Happy Birthday explores a world where guns play a central role, and the film's non-linear narrative adds layers of complexity to the storytelling. [9] He has gained attention for his distinctive storytelling. [10] [11] [12]

In 2024, he directed Mathu Vadalara 2, a sequel to his debut film, bringing back key cast members like Sri Simha Koduri, Satya, and Vennela Kishore, while adding new actors like Faria Abdullah and Sunil. The sequel was well-received and became a blockbuster, continuing Rana’s signature blend of suspense and humor. [13] [14]

Ritesh Rana is recognized for his distinct approach to storytelling, blending genres with innovative narrative techniques that appeal to a wide audience.

Filmography

Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearFilmDirectorWriterNotes
2019 Mathu Vadalara YesStoryCo-written with R. Teja
2022 Happy Birthday YesYes [15] [16]
2024 Mathu Vadalara 2 YesStoryCo-written with R. Teja

Frequent collaborators

Collaborator Mathu Vadalara Happy Birthday Mathu Vadalara 2
Satya Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Vennela Kishore Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Naresh AgastyaCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Gundu Sudarshan Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Kaala Bhairava Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Karthika Srinivas (Editor)Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Teja R (Costume Designer)Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Suresh Sarangam (Cinematographer)Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Chiranjeevi (Cherry; Producer) [17] Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg
Hemalatha Pedamallu (Producer)Check-green.svgCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg

Awards

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s) and nominee(s)WorkResultRef.
Critics Choice Film Awards28 March 2020Best WritingRitesh Rana, R. Teja Mathu Vadalara Nominated [18]
South Indian International Movie Awards 18 September 2021 Best Debut Director – Telugu Ritesh RanaNominated [19]

References

  1. Adivi, Sashidhar (22 December 2019). "Introducing Sri Simha Koduri". Deccan Chronicle.
  2. "Lavanya: People know more about my marriage than I do". Telugu Cinema. 1 February 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/sri-simha-and-satya-starrer-comedy-drama-mathu-vadalara-2-mints-1-million-dollars-at-us-office/articleshow/113588735.cms
  4. https://www.ottplay.com/news/mathu-vadalara-2-is-a-smash-hit-collect-record-money-for-a-small-film/60fe2abb38197
  5. "Mathu Vadalara Telugu Movie Review". 123telugu.com. 26 December 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  6. Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (5 July 2022). "Director Ritesh Rana promises a fun ride with 'Happy Birthday' starring Lavanya Tripathi and opens up on its link with 'Mathu Vadalara'". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  7. "Ritesh Rana promises a wacky, fun ride with 'Happy Birthday' Movie". www.thehansindia.com. 7 July 2022.
  8. "'Happy Birthday' Teaser: Unleashing mayhem with legalized guns! - Telugu News". IndiaGlitz.com. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  9. "Smart Pricing By Small Film Happy Brithday [sic]". www.thehansindia.com. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  10. "Rajamouli to unveil trailer of 'Happy Birthday' - Telugu News". IndiaGlitz.com. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  11. Arikatla, Venkat (3 July 2022). "Rajamouli Said It's A Hit Movie: Ritesh Rana". greatandhra.com. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  12. Manjunath, Mukesh (8 July 2022). "Happy Birthday Movie Review: A Celebration Of Telugu Pop Culture". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  13. https://www.cinejosh.com/news/1/112239/mathu-vadalara-2-worldwide-box-office-collections-cross-30-crores.html
  14. https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/mathu-vadalara-2-hits-1-million-milestone-at-us-box-office.html
  15. "Ritesh Rana promises a wacky, fun ride with 'Happy Birthday' Movie". www.thehansindia.com. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  16. FC, Team (29 June 2022). "Happy Birthday Trailer Talk: A World Of Surreal Comedy – "No Guns, No Entry"". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  17. Adivi, Sashidhar (6 January 2020). "Content is king, says Cherry". Deccan Chronicle.
  18. "Critics' Choice Film Awards 2020 nominations: Gully Boy, Article 15 compete for best film; Nivin Pauly, Mammootty get best actor nods". Firstpost. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  19. Reddy, Sandeep (7 August 2021). "SIIMA Awards 2021: హైదరాబాద్‌ వేదికగా సెప్టెంబర్‌ లో సైమా అవార్డ్స్". www.hmtvlive.com (in Telugu). Retrieved 19 September 2021.