Actor-producer Rana Daggubati is proving to be as formidable a presence in the business world as he is on screen. With a filmography spanning from his debut in Leader (2010) to blockbusters like Baahubali (2015) and his latest, Kaantha (2025) with Dulquer Salmaan, Rana has now built an equally diverse portfolio of business ventures. For Rana, the jump from movies to startups isn't a leap—it's a natural extension, as he firmly believes the film world is essentially the startup world, a space he's inhabited for over two decades.

In a recent interview, on the sidelines of the India launch of his co-founded tequila brand, Loca Loka, Rana Daggubati shed light on his investment philosophy, the common threads between his creative and financial decisions, and his rather unique perspective on luxury.

The Logical Progression of Investment

Rana's investment portfolio is strikingly varied, showcasing interests that range from media and entertainment to sports and food. His list of ventures includes: the VFX studio Spirit Media, talent agency Kwan Entertainment, the family legacy Suresh Productions, iconic comic book brand Amar Chitra Katha, investments in football and kabaddi leagues, game development company Gamezop, Web3 company Ikonz, and experiential retail store Broadway (launched 2024). He has also backed popular food ventures like VS Mani & Co, Salud, and The Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen in Hyderabad.

Despite the apparent diversity, Rana explains that there's a logical progression to each venture. His investments often tie back to industries he understands or where he sees a gap that can be filled using technology and storytelling—the same fundamentals that drive film production. This approach is exemplified by his latest venture, Loca Loka (co-founded in 2024 with Anirudh Ravichander and Harsha Vadlamuni), a premium tequila brand whose name translates to "crazy world" in Spanish and Sanskrit.

Picking Projects: Movies vs. Businesses

For Rana, the criteria for picking a movie role and a business investment share remarkable similarities. In both scenarios, he looks for a strong core concept and a dedicated team with a clear vision.

He views the film world as the ultimate startup environment: "I’ve been in it for 20 years now," he noted. Every film project starts from a zero budget, requires intense pitching and fundraising, demands innovative execution, and is subject to the unpredictable market response. This high-risk, high-reward, project-based structure is analogous to the startup ecosystem. While investments in studios or production companies are a natural extension of his core industry, ventures like Ikonz (Web3) or Loca Loka show his willingness to invest in innovative ideas that offer unique experiences to consumers.

Beyond Luxury: The Vellfire and Value

Rana also offered a distinctive take on luxury and collecting material goods. While many celebrities collect expensive timepieces and rare cars, Rana is decidedly uninterested in collecting luxury items like watches. For him, the focus is on utility and experience rather than status symbols.

When asked about his favourite car among those he owns, he singled out the Toyota Vellfire, a large luxury van. The Vellfire’s appeal, he explained, lies in its sheer comfort and practicality, making it the ideal vehicle for relaxation and work travel between shoots and meetings. This choice underscores his personality as an investor: someone who values function, comfort, and the ability to enhance his busy, demanding life over mere showmanship. His investments reflect this same principle—backing businesses that offer genuine value or unique experiential opportunities.
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