Kannada television toys with ambitious historical drama series with new version of Tenali Rama

I got tired of writing family dramas. That’s probably when the idea of helming a historical subject with humour as its forte struck my mind,” shares

Ramji

, the man behind mega serial Putta Gowri Maduve and

Mangala Gowri Maduve

. And that’s how he arrived at the decision to direct

Tenali Rama

as his upcoming venture.
“Yes, Tenali Rama has been made earlier. But, it’s never been made in the kind of setting that I have envisioned for this project. Our serial will be mounted on a very large scale and we are putting up grand sets on an acre of land in the heart of the city. We have a rather larger-than-life theme for the story, where we will be showcasing the mega court of king

Krishnadevaraya

, his ashta diggajas (eight veteran poets) one of who was Tenali Rama, and the royal palace,” reveals Ramji. On choosing the story of Tenali Rama, the director says that its universal appeal was what drew him to it. “From a five-year-old to a 60-year-old, Tenali Rama’s tales are well known in most households. And humour, of course, is always a huge hit among audiences. It takes them away from the dreariness of daily life,” observes Ramji. The auditions for the serial have already begun and Ramji says he will be getting on board some acclaimed names from

Kannada

cinema to play prominent characters in the show. “Tenali Rama will go on floors in March. Currently, I’m on the lookout for a smart-looking boy in the age group of 28 to play Tenali Rama. I’m looking forward to some exciting times as this is going to be a first-of-its-kind on Kannada TV,” wraps up Ramji.