Ritesh Rana is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Telugu cinema. He has made significant contributions to the realm of unconventional crime capers in Telugu cinema. He made his directorial debut in 2019's comedy thriller, Mathu Vadalara, which also marked the debut of Sri Simha Koduri, the younger son of M. M. Keeravani.[1] Post the success of the film, he made Happy Birthday, which starred Lavanya Tripathi in a dual role.[2]

Ritesh Rana
Born
Ritesh Rana
Occupations
  • Film director
  • screenwriter
Years active2019-present

Career

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Ritesh Rana made his mark with his debut film, Mathu Vadalara, a 2019 crime comedy.[3] The film, described as his calling card, showcased his ability to weave unconventional narratives.[4] The film was notable for its introduction of a quirky television serial called Ore Naa Kodaka.[5]

Ritesh Rana ventured into his second project, Happy Birthday, a surreal crime comedy thriller. Released in 2022, the film features Lavanya Tripathi in the lead and double role, supported by an ensemble cast.[6] Happy Birthday explores a world where guns play a central role, and the film's non-linear narrative adds layers of complexity to the storytelling.[7] He has gained attention for his distinctive storytelling.[8][9][10]

Filmography

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Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Film Director Writer Notes
2019 Mathu Vadalara Yes Story Co-written with R. Teja
2022 Happy Birthday Yes Yes [11][12]
2024 Mathu Vadalara 2 Yes Story Co-written with R. Teja

Frequent collaborators

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Collaborator Mathu Vadalara Happy Birthday Mathu Vadalara 2
Satya      
Vennela Kishore      
Gundu Sudarshan      
Kaala Bhairava      
Suresh Sarangam

(Cinematographer)

     
Chiranjeevi (Cherry)[13]

(Producer)

     
Hemalatha Pedamallu

(Producer)

     

Awards

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Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Work Result Ref.
Critics Choice Film Awards 28 March 2020 Best Writing Ritesh Rana, R. Teja Mathu Vadalara Nominated [14]
South Indian International Movie Awards 18 September 2021 Best Debut Director – Telugu Ritesh Rana Nominated [15]

References

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  1. ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (22 December 2019). "Introducing Sri Simha Koduri". Deccan Chronicle.
  2. ^ "Lavanya: People know more about my marriage than I do". Telugu Cinema. 1 February 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Mathu Vadalara Telugu Movie Review". 123telugu.com. 26 December 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  4. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (5 July 2022). "Director Ritesh Rana promises a fun ride with 'Happy Birthday' starring Lavanya Tripathi and opens up on its link with 'Mathu Vadalara'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  5. ^ "Ritesh Rana promises a wacky, fun ride with 'Happy Birthday' Movie". www.thehansindia.com. 7 July 2022.
  6. ^ "'Happy Birthday' Teaser: Unleashing mayhem with legalized guns! - Telugu News". IndiaGlitz.com. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Smart Pricing By Small Film Happy Brithday [sic]". www.thehansindia.com. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  8. ^ "Rajamouli to unveil trailer of 'Happy Birthday' - Telugu News". IndiaGlitz.com. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  9. ^ Arikatla, Venkat (3 July 2022). "Rajamouli Said It's A Hit Movie: Ritesh Rana". greatandhra.com. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  10. ^ Manjunath, Mukesh (8 July 2022). "Happy Birthday Movie Review: A Celebration Of Telugu Pop Culture". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  11. ^ "Ritesh Rana promises a wacky, fun ride with 'Happy Birthday' Movie". www.thehansindia.com. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  12. ^ FC, Team (29 June 2022). "Happy Birthday Trailer Talk: A World Of Surreal Comedy – "No Guns, No Entry"". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  13. ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (6 January 2020). "Content is king, says Cherry". Deccan Chronicle.
  14. ^ "Critics' Choice Film Awards 2020 nominations: Gully Boy, Article 15 compete for best film; Nivin Pauly, Mammootty get best actor nods". Firstpost. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  15. ^ Reddy, Sandeep (7 August 2021). "SIIMA Awards 2021: హైదరాబాద్‌ వేదికగా సెప్టెంబర్‌ లో సైమా అవార్డ్స్". www.hmtvlive.com (in Telugu). Retrieved 19 September 2021.
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