Mahan, starring Shivarajkumar and Vijay Raghavendra, already has its fair share of expectations. Now, the PC Shekar directorial, backed by Prakash Buduru's Aakasha Pictures, adds another talking point by bringing together six of Kannada cinema’s seasoned actors in important roles.

Devaraj, Ramesh Bhat, Avinash, Rangayana Raghu, Sharath Lohithashwa and Ramesh Indira are part of the ensemble, with the first looks of their characters recently unveiled.

Ramesh Indira plays an inspector, while Devaraj takes on the role of a Superintendent of Police who questions the inspector’s methods and lapses. Given Devaraj’s long association with police roles, the character brings him back into familiar territory, but with a different dynamic.

Rangayana Raghu plays a senior farmer leader who stands up for the interests of the entire village. Ramesh Bhat, one of the most experienced actors in the cast, plays an experienced doctor.

Sharath Lohithashwa appears as a religious guru who influences the villagers through traditions, spiritual beliefs and values. The makers say the role is different from the characters he has played earlier. Avinash, on the other hand, plays a proud and disciplined soldier who introduces the villagers to the importance of the armed forces.

For director PC Shekar, bringing these six actors together has been one of the film’s strengths. Their characters occupy important spaces in the story, adding weight to the world inhabited by the lead characters.

Mahan also stars Radhika Narayan, Mithra, Namratha Gowda, Varsha Bollamma and Kiran Srinivas in key roles.

The technical crew includes composer Arjun Janya, lyricist Dr V Nagendra Prasad, cinematographer S Vaidhi and dialogue writer Prashanth Rajappa.