Actor Jagapathi Babu will be playing a dual role in Nandamuri Balakrishna's upcoming actioner Ruler. Directed by KS Ravi Kumar and produced by C Kalyan, the film will be launched on May 17 in Hyderabad. In the past, Jagapathi has essayed dual roles in Simha Swapnam and Patel SIR.

"Jagapathi Babu plays the nemesis of Balakrishna in the present timeline of the story and will be seen in a contrasting role in the flashback sequence," informs a source from the production unit.

Set in the backdrop of Rayalaseema, Ruler will have two female leads and the makers are considering Tamil actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar for one of the roles. "Ravikumar has initiated talks with Varalaxmi for the part and the response from her has been positive,” the source adds.

Varalaxmi is making her Telugu debut opposite Sundeep Kishan in Tenali Ramakrishna BA.BL and if everything falls into place, Ruler will be her second Telugu project.