Al Akmar Casts Ambika Vani in ‘Ramnagar Bunny’!
In a move that reflects the changing dynamics of Indian cinema, casting director and filmmaker Al Akmar Saify has introduced actress Ambika Vani to South Indian audiences with her Telugu debut in #RamnagarBunny. The film, described as a youthful romantic drama, marks a new chapter in Vani’s career and highlights Saify’s growing role as a talent connector between Bollywood and regional industries.
Ambika Vani, born April 3, 1998, is no newcomer to film. She has previously worked in Bollywood productions including Heat Is On (2023) and Maithili (2020), building a foundation of experience that has shaped her acting style. With Ramnagar Bunny, she has now stepped into Telugu cinema, marking her first appearance in the South.
In the film, Vani portrays Naina, one of the central characters in the life of the reckless protagonist Bunny. Her role is significant, not just as a romantic interest, but as a character whose choices drive the story forward. Naina’s decision to leave Bunny becomes a pivotal moment, influencing the trajectory of his personal growth.
Critics and audiences have noted that Vani delivers a measured and expressive performance, striking a balance between vulnerability and strength. For an actress making her debut in an unfamiliar industry, she has shown confidence, adapting to the rhythms of Telugu storytelling while carrying her Bollywood polish onto the new platform.
At just 21 years old, Al Akmar Saify has emerged as one of the most promising young casting directors in India. Through his Saify Casting Company, he has built a reputation for identifying actors who bring both freshness and authenticity to their roles. His credits include B.A. Pass 3 (2021), M.A. Pass Sarkari Naukri (2022), and notable Bollywood titles like Thank You for Coming (2023) and Crew (2024).
For Ramnagar Bunny, Saify worked as Associate Casting Director alongside #SudhanshuMishra. Their casting choices were instrumental in shaping the film’s youthful energy. “Ambika already had experience in Bollywood, but for Telugu films she was new, Saify explained. That blend of familiarity and freshness made her perfect for the role. We wanted someone relatable who could naturally connect with audiences.
Saify’s approach demonstrates how casting is increasingly recognized as a strategic process in Indian cinema. His focus is not only on filling roles but on ensuring actors embody the cultural and emotional tone that resonates with viewers.
Ambika’s transition from Bollywood to Tollywood also reflects a larger trend in the industry—the blurring of boundaries between regional and Hindi cinema. Over the past decade, South Indian films such as Pushpa and RRR have achieved national and international acclaim, showing that regional stories can resonate across markets when paired with strong storytelling and performances.
The exchange is now becoming two-way. While South stars enjoy huge followings in the North, Bollywood actors are increasingly finding opportunities in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada projects. Casting directors like Saify are playing a central role in facilitating this cross-pollination, ensuring that talent moves fluidly between industries.
As Saify continues to diversify his portfolio not only in casting but also in directing his ability to introduce and nurture talent like Ambika Vani points to a future where Indian cinema functions as a more unified ecosystem, with stories and performers seamlessly moving across linguistic and regional divides.
While Ramnagar Bunny presents a familiar story of youthful recklessness and self-discovery, its off-screen significance lies in the way it has launched Ambika Vani into a new industry and further established Al Akmar Saify as a key architect of emerging talent. Their collaboration represents the evolving face of Indian cinema: diverse in language, but increasingly united in ambition and opportunity.
By Keerti Kadam