'Dadda Praveena’ from 'Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shale' grows up, from artiste to hero

According to Ranjan, the movie, a college caper, revolves around an education system scam. “I don’t play dadda (dimwit) here,” laughs Ranjan, adding, “I play an average student. The film highlights how the education system is misused by some moneybags.” says Ranjan.

Ranjan had a small role in Kantara as well. Training under Rishab Shetty, the actor was initially reluctant to test new waters. “Director Vikas Pushpagiri approached me during Kantara. He said he wrote the story keeping me in my mind after my performance in Sarkari. Scam 1770 has thriller elements, and a non-linear approach. Both my previous films were under Rishab Shetty, so I was a bit hesitant to move out of my comfort zone. But, the team made me feel like home,” Ranjan says.

It took some days for Ranjan to get used to the Bengaluru dialect. “After the shoot, I would spend time with the director and practice the next day’s dialogues. He would explain everything so the filmmaking process was easy,” he adds.