Raghavendra Lawrence began his career as a dancer under Prabhu Deva, later becoming one of the most sought after choreographers in Telugu cinema. It is no exaggeration to say that there is no actor in the Telugu film industry who has not danced to his steps.
The choreographer did try to become a hero in Tamil, but both films he did flopped miserably and many ridiculed him for his ambition.
He then turned director in Mass with Nagarjuna as the hero. The film was a massive hit. He then proved his detractors wrong by not only directing but acting in Style, his latest Telugu film. Starring Lawrence and Prabhu Deva in the lead, the film is one of the biggest hits of 2006, a highlight being the presence of Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna in the climax.
Now, Lawrence wants to show the Tamil audience how talented he is as a choreographer, actor and director. He will, for the first time, direct and act in a Tamil film called Muni, thanks to director Saran, whose Gemini Productions is the producer.
Another interesting thing about Muni is that an extremely choosy Raj Kiran, who gave us a scintillating performance as Cheran's father in Thavamayi Thavamirundu is the hero. Lawrence portrays another major character.
Incidentally, another choreographer-turned-successful director in Telugu is also making his first Tamil film. Yes, we are talking about Prabhu Deva, whose first Telugu film Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana starring Siddharth and Trisha was a super hit. His first Tamil film is a remake of one of the biggest hits of 2006 -- the Mahesh Babu-Ileana starrer Pokiri. It will retain the title in Tamil, with Vijay and Asin playing the lead roles.
It will be interesting to see who the winner will be -- Prabhu Deva or Raghavendra Lawrence.
