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Riteish Shah Joins Hyderabad Set of Ram Pothineni’s Directorial Debut RAPO23

By Screen Entry Desk · 19 October 2026

Riteish Shah Joins Hyderabad Set of Ram Pothineni’s Directorial Debut RAPO23

Ram Pothineni is steering his first directorial venture, the neo‑noir thriller RAPO23, with a brisk shoot in Hyderabad. Bollywood star Riteish Shah has now been added to the ensemble, raising buzz across Tollywood and beyond.

Ram Pothineni is stepping behind the camera for the first time, taking on the dual challenge of directing and starring in the high‑octane neo‑noir psychological thriller RAPO23. The film promises a gritty, layered narrative that blends action with mind‑bending twists, marking a bold entry for the actor‑director into the realm of filmmaking.

The project is being produced by Krishna Pothineni on a grand scale, with a sizable budget that reflects its ambitious vision. Shooting is in full swing in Hyderabad, where the crew has been moving at a rapid pace to lock down key sequences, signalling a tight production schedule that aims to keep the momentum alive.

In a move that has fans cheering, Bollywood veteran Riteish Shah has been confirmed as part of the cast. While details of his character remain under wraps, his involvement signals a growing cross‑industry collaboration and adds star power that could broaden the film’s appeal beyond the Telugu market.

With the Hyderabad schedule now featuring a blend of Tollywood talent and a Bollywood heavyweight, anticipation is building among actors, directors, and cinephiles alike. Industry insiders are watching closely, expecting RAPO23 to set a new benchmark for collaborative storytelling and to showcase Ram Pothineni’s potential as a filmmaker.