‘Veera’ Arrives: Ram Pothineni Announces Directorial Debut With #RAPO23

Telugu actor Ram Pothineni surprised fans on his 38th birthday by announcing his directorial debut with his upcoming film #RAPO23 , a psychological action thriller that he has both written and directed. The actor also revealed that his character in the film will be named “Veera,” adding to the growing buzz surrounding the project.

The first-look poster, unveiled on social media, featured a dark and rain-soaked backdrop with Ram appearing in an intense silhouette, teasing the rugged and mysterious avatar of “Veera.” Sharing the poster online, the actor captioned it, “An exciting journey begins,” while the title reveal “ 𝙑𝙀𝙀𝙍𝘼 in #RAPO23” quickly began trending among fans.

Produced by Ram’s brother Krishna under the RAPO Cinematics banner, the film is slated for a December 2026 release. The project marks a significant career milestone for Ram, who is stepping behind the camera for the first time after years of success as a commercial entertainer in Telugu cinema.

Known for his energetic screen presence and mass-action films, Ram gained widespread popularity with hits such as iSmart Shankar. Though some of his recent films received mixed box-office responses, the actor continues to enjoy a strong fan following across the Telugu states.

Apart from acting, Ram has recently been exploring other creative avenues as well. He recently wrote the song “Nuvvunte Chaale ” for the film Andhra King Taluka , earning appreciation from fans for showcasing his lyrical side.

With #RAPO23 , Ram appears set to begin a new phase in his career by taking charge as writer, director, and lead actor. The announcement, combined with his birthday celebrations and the reveal of his character “Veera,” has made the project one of the most discussed topics in Tollywood this week.