Nanda Kishore on his Vrusshabha casting: Why shouldn’t Kannada actors work in Malayalam or Telugu films? | Exclusive

When Kannada filmmaker Nanda Kishore announced that he was making a Malayalam-Telugu bilingual called Vrusshabha, it was meant to have Mohanlal and Roshan Meka in the lead. However, somewhere along the way, there was a change in cast and one-film old Kannada actor Samarjit Lankesh joined Mohanlal. The film also stars Ragini Dwivedi, Kishore and KGF’s Garuda Ram, which makes one wonder its relevancy for Telugu audiences, given that most of the cast is from Kannada cinema.

Content and not star cast will be the driving force of Vrusshabha: Nanda Kishore

Nanda Kishore’s take on this is that the content was apt for Malayalam and Telugu. “We needed a star like Mohanlal sir to headline it. It is a simple subject about reincarnation – enemies of the past are born again as father and son. They have a revenge to fulfil; will the son kill the father or will love kill the revenge? That is what Vrusshabha is about. Besides Samarjit, Ragini and Garuda Ram, we also have Nayan Sarika, Ali, Ajay Ravuri, from the Telugu film industry; it’s a mixed combination. We are very confident about the content reaching our target audience,” he says.

Fair point, but while Mohanlal is a major draw for Malayali and Telugu audiences, the same cannot be said about Samarjit, Ragini or Garuda Ram. “I get what you are saying, but all that I was looking for was actors who would do justice to roles alongside Lal sir. I don’t see why Kannada actors should not work in Malayalam or Telugu films?” says Nanda, a tad defensive. But wouldn’t it have been better to cast actors with a few more films under their belt and with a budding following in, say, Telugu cinema, like, for instance, Dheekshith Shetty (Dasara), Rishi (Daaku Maharaj) or Tarak Ponnappa (Pushpa 2 The Rise)?

Also read: Vrusshabha director Nanda Kishore on the impact of casting Mohanlal; says 'Have to satisfy Malayalis' expectations...'

“When you see Samarjit in Vrusshabha, you will realize why I chose him. He’s an outstanding performer; I’m proud that he’s a Kannada actor and will be name to look out for. Honestly, I did not see the point in looking for someone with star value to cast opposite Lal sir. If I had gone in that route, the film would automatically be considered a multi-starrer, like, for instance, Empuraan. It is a two-hero film because Prithviraj Sukumaran is also a part of it. Samar’s character in Vrusshabha is very unique, which is apt for a newbie as he brings in a surprise factor. When you have no idea what he is capable of and then he does something, it will blow audience’s minds,” Nanda justifies.

Vrusshabha will release in theatres across India on November 6, 2025.

FAQs

Q. When will Vrusshabha release?

A. Vrusshabha will release in theatres on November 6, 2025.

Q. Who all are on the cast of Vrusshabha?

A. Mohanlal leads the cast, along with Samarjit Lankesh, Ragini Dwivedi, Nayan Sarika, Ajay, Ali, Neha Saxena, Garuda Ram, among others.