Shivarajkumar’s cop mode to continue

Looks like Shivarajkumar’s khaki avatar will continue. While he is already playing a cop in Suri's Tagaru, the makers have decided to come up with a sequel. Interestingly, another upcoming film of his set to go on floors this year, which will mark the directorial debut of stunt director Ravi Varma, will also feature the Century star in the role of a police officer. CE talks to the two directors, Suri and Ravi Varma, who throw a little light on these upcoming projects.

‘It is only a matter of fixing the launch date for Rustum’

Ravi Varma, a stunt choreographer, has established himself in Kannada, Telugu Tamil and Hindi industries. His debut as a director has been in discussion for some time now, and is finally set to happen this year. The first time director will be helming a project for Shivarajkumar, to be made under Jayanna Combines, titled Rustum. Shivarajkumar, spoke about this project at the success meet of Mufti, when he revealed that after completing The Villain and Kavacha, he will start with Rustum.

The director wants to officially make the announcement once the dates of the actor are finalised. “Shivanna and I coming together is now confirmed, and in fact, I've had the script ready for a long time. It is only matter of fixing the launch date and going on floors. The moment Shivarajkumar gives his schedule, I will start finalising the rest of the artistes,” says Ravi Varma, who is currently choreographing stunts for The Villain and a Telugu film starring Gopichand.

“In between my regular job as a stunt choreographer in Kannada, Telugu and Hindi films , direction and filmmaking has been in my mind 24/7,” he adds.

Ravi Varma got the green signal from Shivanna to go ahead with the script over one-and-a-half years ago, and it is ready now. “We will most likely start the film by April,” says the first-time director.

About Shivanna’s role, he says, “Shivanna will play a cop in my film. More about the story and theme will be revealed at the right time.”

Suri’s Tagaru 2 on cards

Suri, who is in love with the character Shivanna plays in Tagaru, plans to make a sequel. The announcement came on Saturday at the Bandi Makalamma temple, where the makers were shooting the end credits of the film with Shivarajkumar. Producer Sreekanth also gave the go ahead for the sequel, and the team even had the muhurath done with a simple puja.  

“It is a role that can be continued. I just have to prepare a script to take it forward. But it all depends on how people will accept Tagaru, as that will only give me clarity on how to go about with the sequel,” says the director.

Tagaru, which will be released in February and has Shivarajkumar in the role of a cop with Bhavana, Manvitha Harish, Dhananajay, and Vasishta Simha also part of the ensemble cast. The film has Charan Raj’s music and cinematography by Mahendra Simha.