Project Rai created buzz last year when reports said that CR Manohar will be producing the film, and that it was decided that Ram Gopal Varma will helm it with Sudeep in the lead. But the film did not see the light of the day for reasons unknown. However, it doesn’t mean that Rai had put it on it on the shelves, as it has been taken over by L Padmanabh. “Rai will be made under MR Pictures, and I will be producing it,” says Padmanabh, who plans to start the film from scratch.
“The huge project will go on floors in 2018, and we are not considering Ram Gopal Varma to direct it. Instead, I felt it is better to bring in a Kannada director, who will be well-versed about Anna (Muthappa Rai) and the subject, and who can do justice to Rai. I have three good Kannada directors in mind, who are passionate to do this kind of project. Though I don’t want to who they are, they are capable of handling the film. I want to choose the best before making a formal announcement. Only then will I finalise the cast and rope in a star who would fit the bill.”
Meanwhile, Padmanabh, who last produced Kaalej Kumar, wants to first remake the film in Malayalam. “We are in touch with a few big artistes. I will remake the film only if I get the right combination of actors, talks are on,” he signs off.