He is known as the ‘Pongal Raju’ within the industry. Five years back, 'Okkadu' released for Sankranti and rewrote box-office records. It also catapulted Mahesh to stardom. This Sankranti, MS Raju is debuting as a director.

He is naturally anxious, but says he simply had to direct 'Vaana'. Though his very first venture is a Kannada remake, MS Raju is undeterred and feels it will touch the hearts of the Telugu people all over the world, just like it touched his.