Nagathihalli Chandrashekar is getting ready with his upcoming film, which is all set to begin shooting in February. The film, a tribute to the director’s own film, America America, is penned by Nagathihalli, who is popularly known as the maestru of Sandalwood.

Shanvi Srivatsava plays a strong woman in the film, and she will have two shades to her role. Now, CE has learned that the makers have signed in Nirup Bhandari to play the male lead. Our source tells us that the Rangitaranga actor, who was recently seen in Sudeep’s Vikrant Rona, is speculated to be playing a never-before-seen role in the film.

The director is expected to make an official announcement on a later date. Meanwhile, the makers have zeroed in on locations in Seattle for the project, and have also finalised the technicians.

The filmmaker will reunite with his America America composer Mano Murthy for the film, which will have cinematography by SK Rao.