Environmental campaigners from Rajanna Sircilla district have been cast in a new biographical film that seeks to amplify conservation efforts through cinema. Prakruthi Prakash and his daughter Blessi, who have become well known in their native Suddala village for tree-planting drives and awareness campaigns, will appear in the Vanajeevi Ramaiah biopic in short but resonant roles.
Vanajeevi Ramaiah biopic brings local activists to screen
The biopic celebrates the life of the late Daripalli Ramaiah, popularly called Vanajeevi Ramaiah, a veteran environmentalist from Reddypalli village in Khammam district. Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2017 for his decades-long commitment to increasing tree cover, Ramaiah earned the informal title Tree Man of Telangana for his hands-on work in planting and nurturing saplings across communities.
Produced by Paryavarana Parirakshana Films, the project is directed by Vemuganti and produced by music director Ballepalli Mohan. Actor Brahmaji plays the title role, and filming is currently underway in Komuravelli village in Siddipet district. Several key scenes featuring Prakash and Blessi alongside Brahmaji have already been completed.
Prakash and Blessi have built a reputation for grassroots environmental activism in the erstwhile composite Karimnagar district. Their work includes large-scale sapling drives and modern methods such as dispersing seed balls in forested areas using drones. The pair, whose efforts have earned recognition from nature lovers, government bodies and NGOs, said they were honoured to take part in a film that celebrates an inspirational figure.
The filmmakers say the inclusion of local activists lends authenticity to the narrative. Short scenes that capture community-based plantation drives and the generational transmission of conservation values aim to underline how individual and collective action can increase green cover. The film’s producers hope audiences will respond by supporting similar initiatives in their own localities.
Blending documentary-style detail with dramatic storytelling, the Vanajeevi Ramaiah biopic aims to reach viewers beyond Telangana. By spotlighting a regional environmental hero and the grassroots activists he inspired, the film seeks to connect cultural pride with practical conservation messaging.
For Prakash and Blessi, participation in the film is both an acknowledgement of their work and an opportunity to inspire others. Blessi, who is a Class VI student at a State-run Gurukul school, will appear in scenes that reflect young people’s role in sustaining environmental efforts. The father-daughter team see the film as a platform to encourage more community involvement in tree planting and habitat restoration.
As shooting continues in Komuravelli, the production team has indicated plans to include scenes that document the techniques and challenges of large-scale tree planting. Those sequences are expected to show practical measures such as seed-ball dispersal and community nurseries, demonstrating methods that have proven effective in local campaigns.
With a mix of local participation and professional filmmaking, the Vanajeevi Ramaiah biopic aims to serve as both tribute and call to action. By telling the story of a Padma Shri awardee and the activists he inspired, the film may help elevate environmental stewardship within public discourse and inspire renewed efforts to expand tree cover across the region.
Key Takeaways:
- Local environmentalists Prakruthi Prakash and his daughter Blessi from Sircilla join the Vanajeevi Ramaiah biopic to promote tree planting.
- The film chronicles Padma Shri recipient Daripalli Ramaiah, known as the Tree Man of Telangana, and is shot in Komuravelli.
- Key scenes with actor Brahmaji and the father-daughter duo have been filmed, showcasing sapling drives and drone seed-ball dispersal.
- The project combines regional storytelling with environmental advocacy to amplify conservation efforts.
