For Rukshar Nagarjuna is a gem . Rukshar Dhillon exudes a surprisingly laid-back vibe as we catch up with her. With confidence radiating from her, she anticipates the success of her upcoming film, "Naa Saami Ranga," a Vijay Binni directorial featuring a stellar cast including Nagarjuna, Ashika Ranganath, Raj Tarun, Allari Naresh, and Mirnaa Menon. Scheduled for release on January 14 for Sankranthi, the film, written by Prasanna Kumar Bezawada, has sparked rumors of being a remake of the 2019 Malayalam hit, "Porinju Mariam Jose." When asked about it, Rukshar dismisses the notion, stating, “I think the story is so strong, I looked at it as a fresh script instead of a remake.”
In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, she delves into the film's narrative, her on-set experiences, and more. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, "Naa Saami Ranga" intricately explores the village ecosystem, with Nagarjuna's character Ranga taking center stage in resolving the villagers' issues. Rukshar, portraying Kumari, one of the villagers who falls for Raj Tarun’s Bhaskar, highlights the challenges of love during that era, emphasizing her character’s strength: “Kumari is a village belle who has been brought up protected, always living in her family’s shadow. But all she wants is true love and she fights for it. I love that she’s not meek.”
Expressing initial apprehension about working with Nagarjuna, Rukshar discovered a pleasant surprise on set: “I thought he would be uptight, he’s anything but that. I had a blast shooting with him because he’s so easy to work with, he’s so charming off-screen too.” The shared passion for old cinema created a strong bond between them.
"Naa Saami Ranga," with its ensemble cast, proved to be a joyful experience for Rukshar, emphasizing the camaraderie among the actors: “So it’s no wonder that off-screen too it felt like working with family. We never had a moment where it got awkward because all the actors just wanted to deliver a great film.”
Rukshar emphasizes the significance of the film’s music, composed by Oscar-winner MM Keeravaani, seamlessly blending with the storyline and breathing life into the narrative, making it timeless. She reflects on the film's impact, saying, “Despite being set in the 80s, the film feels relevant even in 2024.”
Above all, Rukshar expresses the joy and fulfillment she found in working on "Naa Saami Ranga," a project that didn’t feel like a drag: “Nothing matches the high of working on a good scene, and this film gave me plenty of those moments.”
As she reflects on the festive season, Rukshar shares her love for Lohri and Pongal, marking the beginning of a new year. She finds rejuvenation in these celebrations, savoring sweets in Hyderabad and the aate ka prasad (wheat offering) prepared by her family back home. The symbolic act of lighting the bonfire resonates with her, representing the burning away of negativity, creating an unmatched feeling of renewal.