Jagapathi Babu, the most sought-after villain in the south Indian industry, is no stranger to Kannada cinema. The actor, who started with the Shashank-directorial Bachchan, starring Sudeep, was last seen in Nikhil Kumar’s Jaguar. His next is the Dhruva Sarja-starrer Pogaru, directed by Nanda Kishore.

The director, confirming the news, tells us that Jagapati Babu has been roped in to play the antagonist. This film will, therefore, see another fresh and interesting combination onscreen -- Dhruva Sarja and Jagapati Babu. The shooting schedule, which was earlier planned from May 21, has been postponed to June 15, as Dhruva wanted a little more time to work on his fitness. “He lost 30 kgs to play a school boy, and now needs put the weight back on by following a strict regime,” says the director, adding, “Jagapati will join us in the month of July.”

Ravi Shankar plays a pivotal role in the film, and the makers, meanwhile, are in the process of finalising the film’s heroine. Pogaru has music by Arjun Janya, and cinematography by Vaidhi.