Superstar Yash, who had been sporting his bearded look for over a year for KGF, has come out in new avatar. His rugged beard and overgrown mane have been placed by a clean-shaven look as he prepares for the sequel of Kirataka, the launch of which was held on Saturday.

Directed by Anil Kumar, under Jayanna Productions, My name is Kirataka, will go on floors on September 3. The first schedule is likely to take place in and around Mandya. “The sequel will be shot in Karnataka and Dubai. In my opinion, this film does complete justice to the original,” says the director.

While Shweta Nandita has been finalised as part of the lead cast, the makers are yet to zero-in on another heroine. Meanwhile, they have roped in Arjun Janya to score the music and Sudhakar S Raj to wield the camera. “Arjun and Yash worked together in Lucky and Rajadhani. I have worked with them in Dilwale and Raambo 2. We’re hoping to come off as a cracker of a combination,” says Anilkumar.

My name is Kirataka will also feature Chikkanna playing Yash's friend. The film also has Nagabharana, Tara, Kuri Pratap, and Sadhu Kokila as part of its cast.