From the Woods: Mowgli Speaks to Gulte Pro

On the vibrant sets of Mowgli, directed by Sandeep Raj, young Telugu actor Roshan Kanakala spoke to Gulte Pro about his acting journey, the challenges of the shoot, and his love for authentic performances. Roshan said working on Mowgli has been both tough and exciting. The long schedules and demanding conditions kept him completely cut off from the outside world, but he described the process as a wholesome experience that made him enjoy every bit of preparation. Calling the film’s scale “larger than life,” Roshan strongly feels that it should be experienced only in theaters.

Looking back at his debut film Bubblegum, Roshan admitted to having mixed feelings. While the film was praised for its strong storytelling, it did not perform well in theaters. He confessed that it was disappointing after all the hard work the team put in, but he was glad that the film later connected with audiences on OTT. He recalled one touching message from a fan who said the film gave them the courage to walk away from a toxic relationship. For Roshan, this proved the real power of cinema.

Speaking about his craft, Roshan said he always strives for natural and honest performances. He takes inspiration from iconic actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Anthony Hopkins and prepares for every role by asking questions, attending workshops, and ensuring every line feels real. He praised director Sandeep Raj’s clarity in narration and also admired co-actor Harsha’s unique presence and energy, which brought depth to their scenes together.

The actor revealed that Mowgli has been in the making for two years, including a grueling five-day rain sequence. Though physically draining, he found it fun and believes the hard work will be worth it. With confidence and passion, Roshan promised that audiences will witness something special on the big screen.