From Madhuram to 8 Vasanthalu, Ravi Duggirala returns with purpose
After winning hearts with the short film Madhuram, Ravi Duggirala makes a heartfelt comeback in 8 Vasanthalu. In this exclusive, he opens up about dreams, doubts, and his journey back.
Hyderabad: For many Telugu short film lovers, the name “Madhuram Ravi” brings back warm memories. The charming lead from the popular 2013 short film Madhuram left an impression that stayed for years. But just as fans expected to see him more on screen, Ravi Duggirala disappeared. Now, more than a decade later, he has finally made his silver screen debut in 8 Vasanthalu; and the journey behind it is just as emotional as the film itself.
In this exclusive interview with Telangana Today, Ravi opens up about why he stepped away from cinema after Madhuram, what kept the dream alive all these years, and how 8 Vasanthalu helped him prove to himself, and others, that the actor in him never left.
Also Read
A Dream Put on Pause
Ravi says he never wanted to stop acting. In fact, after Madhuram went viral and brought him widespread attention, he had every intention to enter mainstream films. “But right after Madhuram, I had to move abroad due to personal reasons. Though I wanted to build a career in cinema, my situation didn’t allow me to take that leap,” he says.
Financial pressures, lack of support, and his own self-doubt held him back. Ravi had always done well in academics, studied at BITS Pilani, and was already working in a good job. “I was told not to leave something so stable and great for something uncertain like films. That advice stayed with me,” he admits.
As the years passed, Ravi settled into corporate life. By 2021–22, he had reached a senior management position and was leading a highly successful corporate career. “It was a life of comfort. I was used to living abroad, had a luxury lifestyle, and a clear career path. But inside, I felt like I had left something incomplete,” he says.
Coming Back, Fully Prepared
The longing to act again never left him. So, Ravi slowly started preparing to return; but only after resolving everything that once held him back. “I worked on my savings, got financial backup, and gained emotional strength through spirituality. I also got married to someone who supports me unconditionally. All the boxes were ticked,” he says.
He decided that if he were to come back, it had to be without doubts or fears. “I made a promise to myself: this time, I’m not leaving again. I want to become an actor, and I’m ready to start from zero.”
Ravi took a flight back to India and began visiting offices, auditioning, and even doing theatre to sharpen his skills. That’s when he reconnected with director Phanindra Narsetti, the same person who directed Madhuram.
From a Callback to a Comeback
Phanindra initially planned to cast known faces in 8 Vasanthalu. Ravi was just happy to be considered. But when the production house, Mythri Movie Makers, decided to go ahead with newcomers, Phanindra called Ravi again, this time to offer him the lead role.
“He told me, ‘I believe in you. You delivered in Madhuram, and I know you can do it again,’” says Ravi. That faith meant everything. “The fact that it was the same director, a big production house, and a powerful role, I didn’t even have to think twice. I said yes immediately.”
Becoming Sanjay
The role of Sanjay wasn’t easy. He is a writer, a poet, a man of deep pain and unspoken love. Ravi spent months preparing. “I read Telugu literature, Chalam, Sri Sri, Yandamuri, Maxim Gorky’s translations. I wore Sanjay’s vintage-style costumes daily for six months. I even participated in real protests and rallys. I lived like him,” he says.
The film’s emotional climax: where Sanjay reads a long letter, was shot in one take. Ravi had prepared for it every day for a month. “I stood in front of the mirror, reading those lines. Every tear in that scene is real. I never used glycerin.”
Ravi also connected with Sanjay on a personal level. “I had unrequited love for eight years. That made it easier to understand Sanjay’s silence, his awkwardness, and his longing. It was like reliving my own journey through him.”
Handling Praise and Criticism
When 8 Vasanthalu released, early reviews were mixed. Ravi, who had never faced trolling in his life, had to deal with comments on his looks. “It was new for me. But I didn’t ignore it. I took every call, replied to every message, good or bad. I even watched the film with audiences in theatres and asked for feedback directly,” he shares.
He believes being a hero means more than just acting. “It’s about how you treat people, how you support your film, how you face the audience. That’s what I’ve been doing every day since June 2, promoting the film, replying to people, standing by my team.”
And it paid off. After its OTT release, the film received overwhelming love. “People message me calling me ‘Dear Sanjay’. Some say they cried during the climax. Some say it gave them hope. That’s the best reward.”
“This Film Gave Me Everything”
Ravi says 8 Vasanthalu gave him not just recognition but lessons for life. “I entered the market as a hero in my debut itself (purely God’s grace) got tonnes of love, some criticism, and most importantly, I learnt how to handle criticism with grace. That gave me a lot of confidence. I feel I’m more ready now than ever before for the long journey ahead.”
He recalls how even on day one, when his look didn’t come out as expected, he still delivered a powerful monologue. “That gave me confidence. If I can perform when things go wrong, I can do even better when everything is right.”
Ravi says he now understands what kind of actor he wants to be. “Looks might or might not work in your favour depending on the character you play. But my strength will always be my performance.”
Looking Ahead
Ravi is already in talks for upcoming projects, one of which is almost finalised. But he wants to take it one step at a time. “I want to build credibility. If people see that Ravi is part of a film, they should feel, this must be worth watching.”
He also wants to explore mass roles, rural dramas, thrillers, love stories, anything that helps him grow as an actor. “Every film is a chance to explore something new in myself.”
Final Words
As someone without a film background, Ravi says every message, every bit of love, feels like a blessing. “This industry can feel lonely when you don’t come from a film family. But when someone messages you saying ‘Where were you all these years?’ or ‘We’re glad you’re back’; it gives me the strength of a thousand people.”
With gratitude in his voice, he says, “If Madhuram gave me an identity, 8 Vasanthalu gave me belief. Now, I’m here to stay.” He adds, “I will always be grateful to Phanindra for believing in me again, to Mythri Movie Makers, Ravi garu, Naveen garu, and my EP Baba Sai garu for giving me this opportunity and trusting me with Sanjay.”
