Garuda Ram, best known for playing the powerful villain Garuda in KGF: Chapter 1, is set to make his Marathi film debut with Devghar On Rent. Directed by Swaroopp Sawant, the upcoming film combines spirituality, drama and action and is scheduled to release in theatres on September 25 across Maharashtra. It will also release in Belgaum, Hyderabad, Indore and Baroda.
Garuda Ram, whose real name is Ramachandra Raju, will play an important role in Devghar On Rent. The actor has already worked across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema, but this will mark his first Marathi film. His addition gives the film a wider cast and brings a familiar face from South Indian cinema into a Marathi project.
Speaking about the film, Garuda Ram said he has always respected Marathi cinema and was drawn to the story when he first heard it. He also revealed that his character is not limited to action and has emotional and dramatic aspects. He described working with Marathi actors and technicians as a rewarding experience and said he hopes Marathi audiences will accept his new role.
The film has an unusual title and brings spirituality into a contemporary story. While the makers have not revealed the complete plot yet, they have confirmed that the film will combine its spiritual subject with action and drama. Director Swaroopp Sawant has said that the action is part of the story rather than something added simply to attract attention.
The action sequences are being designed by Karthik Dangari, who has worked on films including Pushpa. The makers say the action has been planned around the screenplay, with the aim of giving the film a larger-scale feel while keeping the story and drama at its centre.
Alongside Garuda Ram, the film also features South Indian actor Shravan Raghavendra in an important role. The Marathi cast includes Nikhil Chavan, Ankit Mohan, Bhau Kadam, Shashank Shende, Ashwini Chavare, Vaibhav Chavan, Suresh Vishwakarma, Anil Nagarkar, Siddheshwar Jhadbuke and Gautami Patil.
Devghar On Rent is presented by Anandi Pictures Amravati and produced by Radhakrushna Production. Sachin Rode Patil and Poonam Chaudhary Patil are the producers, while Poonam Chaudhary Patil has also developed the concept. Sanjay Navgire has written the story, screenplay and dialogues, with Swaroopp Sawant directing the film.
The technical team includes cinematographer Chaitanya Salunkhe, composers S. Sagar and Kabir Shakya, background music composer Rohit Nagbhide, choreographer Kishor Dalvi and art director Dilip Kandhare.
Garuda Ram became widely known after playing Garuda, the main antagonist in Prashanth Neel’s KGF: Chapter 1, starring Yash. The role brought him recognition across different language industries and led to several more acting opportunities. He later appeared in films including Sultan, Kodiyil Oruvan, Yaanai, Bheemla Nayak, Salaar and Aaraattu.
His move into Marathi cinema comes as the industry continues to bring in actors and technicians from other parts of the country. With a story built around spirituality and a strong action team behind it, Devghar On Rent is looking to offer something different while still aiming for a mainstream theatrical experience.
Devghar On Rent will arrive in theatres on September 25, with Garuda Ram making his Marathi debut alongside a mix of Marathi and South Indian actors.
