Ritesh Rana is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Telugu cinema. Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Ritesh 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 post the success of the film, he made Happy Birthday starring Lavanya Tripathi in a dual role.
Early life and career
Ritesh Rana spent his formative years in Hyderabad, where he developed a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly Chiranjeevi films. This early exposure fueled his passion for storytelling.
Career
Ritesh's journey into the cinematic world took a unique turn when he began sharing his thoughts on cinema through IMDB discussion boards. This interaction with the film community, coupled with his educational background in animation and mass communication, laid the foundation for his foray into filmmaking.
Mathu Vadalara (2019) Ritesh Rana made his mark with his debut film, "Mathu Vadalara," a 2019 crime comedy. The film, described as his calling card, showcased his ability to weave unconventional narratives. Notable for its references to Chiranjeevi hits and the introduction of a quirky television serial called "Ore naa kodaka," Mathu Vadalara set the stage for Ritesh's distinctive storytelling style.
In 2020, a hindi-remake was in work with Ritesh Rana at helm as Director and Chiranjeevi (Cherry) as Producer.
Happy Birthday (2022) Building on the success of his debut, 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 a talented ensemble cast. Ritesh's vision for "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.
Present
Despite downplaying grandiose comparisons to cinematic universes, Ritesh Rana has gained attention for his distinctive storytelling. Notably, director S. S. Rajamouli expressed confidence in the success of "Happy Birthday," lauding it as a hit movie. Ritesh Rana continues to explore new concepts and has even hinted at plans for a sequel to "Happy Birthday."