A couple of years ago, Puneeth Rajkumar had announced that he would take up James. Now, we hear that this will be his next film, and it will be produced by Kishore Pathikonda and directed by Chethan Kumar. The latter has previously helmed Bahaddhur and Bharjari, and is currently directing Sriimurali’s Bharaate.

Puneeth has been in talks for this project for a while now, and is said to have finalised the details after a few rounds of discussions with the director and producer. In fact, the actor’s look in the James logo created a buzz when the film's poster was released.

In an earlier interview with CE, the director had said that the film will be a complete mass entertainer and that James channels James Bond. Laced with a local flavour and not compromising on style, this is said to be Chethan's dream project right down to his wish of working with Puneeth.

Meanwhile, Puneeth is gearing up for Natasaarvabhowma’s release this week, and he will start shooting for Santhosh Ananddram’s directorial, Yuvaratna, from February 14. The actor apparently will begin shooting for James from March 17, which also happens to be his birthday. An official announcement will soon be made on this front.