The psychological action thriller marks two significant career developments as Riteish Deshmukh enters Telugu cinema and Ram Pothineni makes his directorial debut.
Swati Bhat
Riteish Deshmukh is expanding his cinematic journey beyond Hindi and Marathi films as he joins Telugu star Ram Pothineni’s upcoming psychological action thriller, tentatively titled RAPO23. Announced on October 19, 2026, the project marks Deshmukh’s Telugu film debut while introducing an intriguing new collaboration between two actors known for their distinct screen personalities.
The announcement arrived through a behind-the-scenes video released by Rapo Cinematics, showing Deshmukh arriving on the film's set in Hyderabad and receiving a warm welcome from Pothineni. Rather than revealing the actor's appearance or character in detail, the makers have chosen to maintain an element of mystery around his introduction.
While reports suggest that Deshmukh may portray the antagonist, the production team has described his part as an important and exciting role without officially disclosing his character's identity or motivations.
RAPO23 Brings Riteish Deshmukh and Ram Pothineni into New Creative Territory
For Deshmukh, RAPO23 represents another shift in a career shaped by comedy, drama, thrillers and ambitious regional productions. His performances in Ek Villain and Marjaavaan demonstrated his ability to move beyond his familiar comic persona, while his 2026 historical film Raja Shivaji, which he also directed, reflected his interest in exploring stories rooted in Indian history. His entry into Telugu cinema now opens a different creative space, particularly through a psychological action narrative that appears to demand a more intense screen presence.
Equally significant is Ram Pothineni's decision to step behind the camera. Best known as a leading actor in Telugu cinema, Pothineni has written and is directing RAPO23, marking his debut as a filmmaker while also playing the central character, Veera. The film is described as a psychological action thriller set against a neo-noir backdrop, suggesting a storytelling approach built around tension, moral ambiguity and stylised action. Actress Samyuktha has been cast as the female lead.
An Experienced Technical Team Behind RAPO23
Produced by Krishna Pothineni under the Rapo Cinematics banner, the film brings together an established team of technicians.
Thirunavukarasu, popularly known as Tirru, is handling cinematography, while Sam CS is composing the music. A. S. Prakash is overseeing production design, with Peter Hein, Vikram Mor and Kevin responsible for action choreography.
Filming is underway in Hyderabad, with the makers having commenced a new shooting schedule following Deshmukh's arrival.
Beyond its combination of established actors and technicians, RAPO23 is noteworthy for the creative transitions taking place on both sides of the camera. Pothineni is testing his storytelling instincts as a director, while Deshmukh is entering a new regional film industry. Whether the film positions them as adversaries remains to be officially revealed. What is already clear is that RAPO23 brings together two performers at interesting turning points in their careers, with the psychological thriller format offering considerable room for a compelling on-screen confrontation.