The role of an IPS officer has brought back Lakshmi Rai to Kannada cinema. The actor’s last film in Kannada was Kalpana, which came out in 2012. Nearly six years later, she has taken on a project titled Jhansi directed by PVS Guruprasad, who has previously done films like Maryada Ramanna, Yarige Beda Duddu, and Kusuma.

While the title of the film gives a glimpse of Lakshmi Rai’s character, we are told that in the film her character has been contemporised. “She is a warrior, who fights against injustices taking place in society. The story also blends in the sentiments of love and action,” reveals the director.

Guruprasad points out that Lakshmi’s previous roles have mostly been in romcoms and horror films. “She felt that this film was outside her comfort zone, and so accepted it,” says the director, adding, “She has a high regard for Kannada films and is happy to be part of a good subject.”

The film, produced by Rajesh Kumar, will go on floors on August 29.