Indian actor Satyadev is undergoing a remarkable transformation for his role in the upcoming psychological drama “Rao Bahadur.” The film, directed by Venkatesh Maha, delves into the destructive nature of doubt and is backed by renowned actor Mahesh Babu’s production company, GMB Entertainment.
Satyadev, known for his grounded performances, has embraced a grueling five-hour makeup routine each morning to embody the film’s title character. This rigorous process involves extensive facial adjustments, including elevated cheekbones, reshaped eyebrows, and the addition of prosthetic elements such as a substantial belly for later scenes. “I can’t sit for so long, but this five hours of self-reflection sets me right for the next 12 hours,” Satyadev explained.
The film spans three decades, from the 1960s to the 1990s, and required Satyadev to participate in ten different look tests to authentically portray his character’s evolution. He noted the challenges of shooting in the summer heat, where the makeup can be uncomfortable, but he finds the transformation worthwhile.
The collaboration between Satyadev and Maha marks a significant reunion following their previous project, “Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya.” Maha spent four years developing “Rao Bahadur,” a film that examines the Telugu concept of doubt as a demon, illustrating how a small seed of suspicion can escalate into something catastrophic. “I knew that people are going to get taken aback by the Rao Bahadur role,” Satyadev remarked. “It will pull you into that world.”
The project gained considerable momentum when Mahesh Babu and his wife, Namrata Shirodkar, joined as presenters. Their involvement signifies the film’s appeal and potential for a global audience. “When they presented it to Mahesh-sir, he immediately accepted it,” Satyadev stated, highlighting the ambition to reach a broader market.
Satyadev has established a reputation for portraying morally complex characters, diverging from traditional heroic roles. His filmography includes notable projects such as “Bluff Master” and a supporting role alongside Akshay Kumar in “Ram Setu.” The latter, which premiered on October 25, 2022, garnered significant attention, leading to an influx of congratulatory messages from across India.
“Indian cinema is transcending traditional regional boundaries,” Satyadev observed. He credits the success of films like “Baahubali” for paving the way for a more unified Indian film industry, where storytelling takes precedence over regional labels. “It doesn’t depend upon the budget – it’s the storytelling and if you put your heart into it.”
The ambitious production of “Rao Bahadur” involved extensive location shooting over 35 days in palaces in Madanapalle to recreate an authentic 1960s atmosphere. The film’s attention to detail extends beyond makeup to costume design and set decoration. Satyadev emphasized the commitment to delivering a compelling narrative, stating, “We never restricted ourselves, saying that let’s give the best product to every audience possible.”
With a targeted release in the summer of 2026 and plans for international subtitled distribution, “Rao Bahadur” is positioned for success. Satyadev is also involved in various other projects, including the crime comedy “Full Bottle,” which is in post-production for an October release, and an action drama with director Ajay Nag.
As the film industry evolves, Satyadev recognizes the importance of providing audiences with engaging cinema. “We have to give that extra thing for the audience because they have to see something big,” he stated, capturing the essence of contemporary cinematic expectations.
The first footage of “Rao Bahadur” premiered recently, generating excitement and anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking film in Satyadev’s career.