NH 66, starring Pramod Shetty and Shruti Hariharan, was launched with a muhurath ceremony recently. The film will feature Rajesh Nataranga in a key role. The project is written, directed and produced by Manjunath TR under the banner Raya Films.

The title was unveiled at the event. NH 66 unfolds over two nights, tracing a journey from Mangaluru to Goa. The narrative centres on a small set of characters, with the tagline ‘One Highway. Many Secrets'.

Making his directorial debut, Manjunath TR said he had earlier worked under Bhargava before moving abroad, where he studied screenwriting. “This is a road story with a thriller base. When I narrated it to Pramod Shetty and Shruti Hariharan, they agreed to be part of it,” he said.

Pramod Shetty, who plays a cab driver, said the film unfolds through a journey. “I am happy to work with Shruti Hariharan and Rajesh Nataranga,” he added.

Shruti Hariharan said the role offered her something different from her earlier work. “I liked the narration and the approach,” she said.

Cinematography is by Suneeth Halageri and music is by Swaminathan. Shooting is scheduled to begin in Mangaluru from April 6.