Sai Pallavi’s character in Viraataparvam inspired by singer-activist Belli Lalitha: Reports

Actor Sai Pallavi’s character in upcoming Telugu action drama, Viraataparvam (2020) is believed to be inspired from the real life character of singer-activist Belli Lalitha.

It is already known that Sai Pallavi plays a naxalite in the movie directed by Venu Udugala, which also stars Rana Daggubati, Priyamani and Nandita Das.

Belli Lalitha was a popular folk singer-turned-activist who played a crucial role in the Telangana movement in the early 1990s. She was kidnapped and killed in 1999.

The film sheds light on the naxal movement, specifically the moral dilemma that prevailed during the last decade. If the industry grapevine is anything to go by, Rana plays a cop in the film while Priyamani will be seen playing a naxalite.

Priyamani confirmed that in a recent interview to Cinema Express. "Yes, I am playing a naxalite. It’s going to be a different kind of film altogether. The only thing I can share at the moment is that it’s a true story,” the actress said. She also confirmed that she is also a part of Venkatesh-starrer Naarappa (2020), the Telugu remake of Tamil film, Asuran (2019).  

The film marks Das's return to Telugu cinema after a decade. On joining the sets, Das  had said that she’s both nervous as well thrilled to be shooting in the Telugu language after a long gap. “I am doing the film for the script, the director’s vision and the role,” she said in a statement. 

“I’m shooting for a film, that too in a language I speak after over a decade! But once I was on set, the whole atmosphere brought back the joy of being part of strong stories without having the responsibilities of being the director,” Das added.