Director Raj R: ‘23’ is inspired by three true events

Director Raj R discusses the Telugu film 23, inspired by true events in Andhra Pradesh, and indie filmmaking

The scarlet-hued poster of the Telugu film 23, featuring a burning bus, boldly quotes George Orwell’s Animal Farm: “All are equal, but some are more equal than others.” Produced and directed by Raj R, and presented by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media, the film is inspired by true events that unfolded in undivided Andhra Pradesh during the 1990s.

Three major incidents shaped its narrative, Raj explains. In 1991, the Tsunduru massacre witnessed brutal caste violence against Dalits. In 1993, 23 passengers lost their lives after two Dalit men set a bus on fire in Chilakaluripet. In 1997, a car bomb explosion in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, reportedly killed 23 people and injured several others. Raj recalls how, as a teenager, he reacted with anger to the Film Nagar blast. “Today, at 49, I see things from multiple perspectives — shaped by the books I have read and the experiences I’ve lived,” he reflects, adding that he has taken creative liberties in crafting the film’s story.

Raj’s previous works — including Mallesham(a Telugu biopic on Pochampally weaver Chintakindi Mallesham), the Hindi relationship drama 8 A.M Metro, and the Malayalam action-drama Paka(River of Blood) — were all independently produced. 23 follows the same path.

Raj initially pitched 23 to established Telugu actors. While some did not respond, others expressed interest but were tied up with ongoing projects. Rather than wait indefinitely, Raj chose to cast newcomers. “I wanted to make the film while I had the momentum rather than delay it for well-known actors,” he explains. The film features over 30 characters, with the protagonist’s journey unfolding over 12 years. Currently in post-production, 23 is set for release soon, with an official date to be announced.

As he prepares to bring the film to audiences, Raj reflects on his unconventional filmmaking journey. A freelance software programmer based in Dallas, US, he takes short sabbaticals to make films in India. “I am not a compulsive filmmaker,” he admits. “I make films only when I feel an undeniable urge to tell a story.”

Like most indie filmmakers, his path has been anything but easy. “I earn in the US and spend — or rather, lose — most of my savings making films here,” he says with a laugh. While Mallesham received critical acclaim, it didn’t generate significant profits. His Hindi drama 8 A.M Metro faced challenges securing theatrical and OTT releases but eventually found its audience through a limited run on Zee5 and later on YouTube. “Gulshan Devaiah (the lead actor) still gets warm messages from people who connected with the film. Over time, we’ve seen audiences relate deeply to its characters,” Raj shares.

At one point, Raj stepped into production with the Malayalam film Paka (River of Blood) to support Mallesham’s sound designer, Nithin Lukose, who was eager to write and direct. Ironically, Raj never intended to be a producer. “I don’t have that skill set. I can’t think like a businessman,” he admits. In fact, he would have been content simply writing stories and screenplays for others to direct and produce.