Upendra's Kannada-Telugu bilingual Next Level was officially launched with a traditional muhurat ceremony in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Directed by Arvind Kaushik and produced by Tarun Shivappa under the Tarun Studios banner, the film brings together Upendra and actor Aradhana Ram for the first time.

The inaugural shot was clapped by Upendra's son, Aayush. Priyanka Upendra, veteran actor Malashree and members of the Kannada film industry were among those present at the launch.

For Aradhana Ram, Next Level becomes her second feature after her debut in Kaatera. While she was introduced as a village girl in the Darshan-starrer, the actor will be seen in a contrasting role here. She is set to play the daughter of a Chief Minister, in what the makers describe as a bolder and more glamorous character.

The film also brings Upendra together with his nephew, actor Niranjan Sudhindra, who has been cast in a key role. It marks the first time the uncle-nephew duo will share screen space in a feature film.

Produced on a large scale, Next Level continues Tarun Shivappa's association with commercial entertainers after films such as Victory 2 and Choo Mantar. The project will be shot simultaneously in Kannada and Telugu.

According to the makers, Next Level draws from the storytelling sensibilities associated with the lead actor's earlier films such as A, Upendra and Raktha Kanneeru, while placing the narrative in a contemporary setting. The film is expected to feature the actor in a role that reflects the unconventional style that has come to define much of his work. With the film now going on floors, the makers are expected to announce the rest of the cast and technical crew in the coming weeks. Apart from this, Upendra has completed shooting for Bhargava, a film by Naganna, produced by Surappa Babu. The film, also starring Ankita Amar, has a fight sequence and a couple of songs to shoot.