Watch: Why Satya Dev Compares Rao Bahadur To Baahubali & RRR

Ahead of Rao Bahadur’s release on July 3, Satya Dev sat down with Gulte Pro’s Ram Venkat Srikar for an in depth conversation about the film, his acting process, and the larger impact he believes the movie can create. The actor sounded confident that the film is attempting something fresh and meaningful in Telugu cinema.

Speaking about his performance, Satya Dev revealed that Rao Bahadur pushed him into a space he had never experienced before. While he understands method acting, this film demanded deep emotional immersion. He said there were moments when he felt completely absorbed into the character’s world and later experienced emotional exhaustion after stepping out of it.

According to Satya Dev, the central theme of Rao Bahadur revolves around obsession and the extraordinary strength it can give a person. He explained that the story explores how an individual’s relentless pursuit of truth can transform them, creating a powerful blend of psychological drama and magical realism.

The actor had special praise for director Venkatesh Maha, calling him one of the most passionate storytellers he has worked with. Satya Dev said their discussions often revolved around making cinema impactful without becoming pretentious. He added that Venkatesh Maha’s intense commitment to storytelling played a key role in shaping the film.

One of the most striking observations from Satya Dev was that Rao Bahadur could become a reference point for future films. He believes the movie’s originality, cultural rootedness, and ambitious storytelling can encourage more filmmakers and producers to invest in fresh ideas rather than depend entirely on familiar commercial formulas.

He revealed that this is precisely why he feels Rao Bahadur will be remembered alongside landmark films like Baahubali and RRR, not merely for its scale, but for the impact it could have on future storytelling and filmmaking trends.

Satya Dev also expressed confidence that the film will spark conversations after release because of its layered writing and themes. From demanding makeup sessions to long shooting schedules, he said the entire team worked with complete dedication, hoping Rao Bahadur leaves a lasting mark on Telugu cinema.