Producer C R Manohar has become a multilingual producer with two of his films — Kali starring Shivarajkumar and Sudeep and RGV's Rai starring Vivek Oberoi — being made in four languages. This apart, he is also producing Rogue starring his brother Ishan, directed by Puri Jagannath. "I have been approached with subjects that are mostly universal, which will help reach larger audiences. Therefore, I chose such projects," he says.
Manohar is happy to be associating with RGV for Rai. "RGV and I are good friends and we were keen on working together for a film on the underworld. We had initially planned Rai for Sudeep. Since, the actor will get busy with my own film, Kali, he is in not a position to accommodate dates for RGV's film," explains Manohar, who is happy to have Vivek Oberoi in the film. "RGV and Vivek have been a hit combination with films like D Company, Sarkar and Rakta Charitra. That's the reason he chose him for Rai," says the producer.
According to Manohar, RGV has spoken to Muthappa Rai and taken his side of the story but the latter will not get involved in the film. "RGV who has studied about different dons such as Dawood and Chhota Rajan felt that Rai will set a benchmark. He also said that there are so many underworld dons, who are either absconding or faced death. But he found it interesting that an underworld don like Muthappa Rai is now living as a common man," explains Manohar, adding, "We are yet to discuss on the budget and rest of the star cast before making the official announcement."