I Worked Hard For Aranya Than Baahubali: Rana

Rana Daggubati says the role as a jungle man he played in Aranya is the most challenging one in his career thus far. He even stated that he worked hard for Aranya than Baahubali.

Director Prabhu Solomon previously made a film called Kumki, where elephant played a major role in the love story.

“Prabhu did years of research on forests and elephants and prepared the story of Aranya. Based on true incidents, man-animal conflict is the main theme.”

Rana informs that he spent 15 days in forests in Thailand.

“When we walk close to an elephant the ground trembles and if 18 elephants walk together that’s altogether gives a different feeling.”

Rana used to spend some time with elephants every day to cope with them, He used to feed and bathing them.

“It took one week for me to develop an association with them.”

Rana had a scary moment while spending time with elephants.

“I regularly used to carry bananas and jaggary in my pants. But, one day all the elephants came close to me as they saw banan in my pocket. I was literally scared at that moment.”

Rana says he worked hard for Aranya than Baahubali.

“We had breaks during Baahubali. But, working for Aranya was more challenging than for Aranya.”

Forest in Telugu translates to Aranyam, but the film is titled Aranya.

Rana clarifies, “My character name in the film is Narendra Bhupathi. After he gets forest man of India award, villagers call him Aranya. So, we named the film Aranya. The story is based on the incidents in lives of Jadav Payeng and wildlife conservationist Lawrence Anthony.

Rana is all praises for sound designer Resul pookutty.

“The film will give a completely different experience to audience in theatres. It will give a feel that you are in the middle of the forest.”

Sekhar Kammula and Venkatesh spoke highly about the film during pre-release.

“They were the first person to believe me that I can pull off any given role. I screened the film with the confidence of I did well in it.”

Rana’s other film Virata Parvam is a human drama laced with beautiful love story. He is sharing screen space with Pawan Kalyan in Ayyappanum Koshiyum remake.

“Pawan Kalyan is a cool and down to earth person. I’m learning new things every day from him. He is a very encouraging person.”