One-film-old director Lohit, who garnered critical applause for his debut outing Mummy - Save Me, seems to have found inspiration for his next. And has created much curiosity by trying to unveil the enigma surrounding underworld don of yesteryear M P Jayaraj.
Although the official announcement will be made after January 15, sources say that it was the director’s idea and he put it across to Agni Sridhar who came up with a one-liner for the film. He is currently writing the script, while strong buzz have it that Upendra will play the character of the don.
If all goes as planned, the film to be produced by Bhaskar, who had previously made Andar Bahar, will be Upendra’s 54th film.
Sources say that it is “too early” for any announcement because Upendra has many films lined up. “But he has agreed to be part of the film. As for choosing Agni Sridhar, after the success of films such as Aa Dinagalu and Edegarike, it is clear that there is an audience for such scripts. And who better than him to tell us about the underworld of the 1980s.”
Upendra is currently busy with Naganna’s Kanneshwara after which he will begin his next with K Madesha Uppi Rupee. He also has a project with Manju Mandavya and director Shashank.
Jayaraj’s son Ajith Jayaraj, who has made his mark in Sandalwood, has been wanting to make a film on his father. In fact, in his last interview with City Express, he had mentioned that though his father was a don, he was a Robinhood to many people, and trying to get details for the subject before getting into the script. However, Ajith will be happier to have the script coming from Agni Sridhar, who he considers as his uncle.
For Lohith, it is indeed a big break as a director, to get the opportunity to direct Upendra. Added to that is Agni Sridhar’s guidance with scripting. Lohith is currently involved in the pre-production work, which itself will be a huge task in terms of identifying an apt place that can carry the feel of the 1980s. More details are awaited after January 15, when the official announcement will be made by the makers.