Actor-producer Rakshitha Prem celebrated her birthday by announcing a new production house, Phoenix Prems Studios, with her husband Prem. The banner will focus on both film production and studio work, marking a new chapter in their journey.

The makers also revealed their first project, Idiot, starring her brother Raanna in the lead. The film will be directed by debutant Manjunath BS, who previously worked with Prem as a co-director, writer, and lyricist on films like Ek Love Ya and the upcoming KD.

Talking about his first film as a director, Manjunath said, “The story is about love, and how sometimes love can make a person an ‘idiot’. This idea is at the heart of the film. Starting my journey as a director with this project feels like a big step and a new responsibility.”

The film is set to go on floors in May. It will have cinematography by William David, and music by Romeo, who marks his debut with the film. Abhijit Mahesh, who has worked on films such as Kirik Party and 777 Charlie, will pen the dialogues for Idiot.

For Raanna, this is his third film as a lead actor after Ek Love Ya and Elumale, and his first under his sister’s banner. “It feels like home,” he said. “I’ve worked with Prem Sir before, and I’ve known Manjunath for a long time. He has chosen a very interesting love story. Love has been a theme in my earlier films too, but this story explores it in a new way in terms of screenplay for Kannada cinema.”

The title, Idiot, is also special to Rakshita Prem, as it was the title of her debut Telugu film with Ravi Teja.

Speaking about the vision behind Phoenix Prems Studios, Rakshitha said, “We want to create a platform for new talent. Our aim is to support fresh ideas and give newcomers meaningful opportunities in the industry.”