While Nagashekar is all set to release Maasthi Gudi, the director has been silently working on a new and a promising script. After registering the title Shantala Vishnuvardhana, he has been at it for the last six months and says he will need another six months to finalise it.
Interestingly, Nagashekar says it will be a historical drama. Set in 1108 - 1152 era, he wants to explore the love story between Raja Vishnuvardhana and Natyarani Shantala. “It is based on a true story,” says Nagashekar, “and I will fall back on my imagination to bring it to life. There is a lot of research that needs to be done for this kind of a film, and my team is already on the job. Meanwhile I have been reading a lot of books and going through a thesis on Shantala and Vishuvardhana”.
The director says that he has always, even when he started on the script, thought Sudeep would fit the lead role well. He says, “I find him perfect for this role but I am yet to ask him if he is interested. I will approach him after I finalise the script. Also this is a lavish production and it will take a lot of money to make it. I need a producer who can make it with a ` 60-crore budget.
I am also thinking if this can be in four south-Indian languages and Hindi. But all depends on the producer who will take this on. As of now I have registered the title and the first draft of the script is ready.”
Meanwhile, Nagashekar has been flooded with directorial offers and he believes it to be a good sign. “I am waiting for Maasthi Gudi to release and then I will take a break,” he says. “I have worked on Maasthi Gudi three years after Mynaa, so these offers that are pouring in are a pleasant surprise,” he says.