BANGALORE: On the auspicious occasion of Varamahalakshmi festival, cinematographer-turned-director Krishna announced on Twitter that Sudeep will be starring in Hebbuli.
“On this auspicious day of Varamahalakshmi puja, am happy 2 announce tat @KicchaSudeep will be playing ta lead in my nxt film HEBBULI (sic),” he posted.
Krishna says, “Sudeep liked the story, narration and also the title of the film and instantly agreed to associate with me. We have to sort out the dates before we go on floors. Right now, Sudeep is busy with his other film directed by Nanda Kishore and I am finalising the screenplay, technicians and other stuff.”
A few producers have lined up to invest in the film. “We have confirmed the lead actor and the director. I have two producers who are interested in investing in the film. Sudeep too has a few in mind. We will discuss and decide on whom to associate with,” he says.
Hebbuli might be a bilingual, reveals Krishna, adding, “When Sudeep heard the story, he felt that it is a subject that can be told in all south Indian languages. He suggested that the film be done in Kannada and Telugu.”
On choosing Sudeep, Krishna says, “This is a contrast of my first directorial venture Gajakesari, which was a period drama. Hebbuli is an action-based film, a subject with a Western pattern of narration. I needed a mature actor who could do justice to this script and I thought Sudeep will fit into this role. He will have four to five looks in the film and I have thought of a different way to go about this. I will talk about it when the time is right.”
Meanwhile, Krishna is happy that Gajakesari, his first film as a director, is slated to complete 100 days in the theatres. He has also rekindled his passion for cinematography for Preetham Gubbi’s Boxer and is simultaneously working on other scripts. “I have almost finalised another script. If it works out, I will make an announcement soon,” he says.