Sudeep to make a film on Madakari Nayaka

As many as three Kannada directors are working on a historical subject based on Madakari Nayaka - a warrior from Chitradurga. Recently, the production house of Rockline Venkatesh announced a film on Gandugali Madakari Nayaka, for which Darshan was brought on board. The film based on BK Venu's novel is directed by Rajendra Singh Babu.  

There are also reports of Hamsalekha helming a film for Dingri Nagaraj’s son Rajavardhan, which is again based on one of the novels written by Venu. Sudeep is the latest to join the bandwagon. Our sources tell us that he is working on a Rs 100-crore project, which is likely to be made in two or three languages. The actor’s wife Priya Radhakrishnan may step in as the producer.

Apparently, when Sudeep’s commercial film titled Veera Madakari released in 2009, the Swamiji of the Valmiki Trust requested him to make a film on the Chitradurga palegara. And hence, he is now working on Raja Veera Madakari Nayaka.

Our source tells us, “A film on Madakari Nayaka has been in the offing for a long time. The head of Valmiki foundation has been in discussions with the actor for the last couple of years on this.”

Cinema Express found out that film is not yet on floors, and that script-writing is underway. “There’s a lot of homework that goes into the making of a film with a subject like this, especially considering the budget and plan to make it in two to three languages. So, Sudeep is taking no chances, and he wants everything to go right with this project, and is ready to wait. However, there are different books written on Madakari Nayaka and it is still to be ascertained which one the film will finally be based on,” our source adds.

Apparently, Swamiji from the Valmiki mutt himself is penning the lines for the film.

This apart, director TS Nagabharana has also narrated his version of the historical soldier's life. “Director Gurudatha Ganiga, who made his directorial debut with Ambi Ning Vayassaytho, and Sudeep’s cousin, Sanchith, are also involved in the project. The team is said to be in  constant discussion with art director Shivakumar as well,” our source tells us. 

Currently, Sudeep is awaiting the release of The Villain, and the completion of Pailwaan. Hence, this big-budget film is likely to go on floors sometime next year. 

In addition, the actor is also working on a Telugu project Sye Raa, and a Hollywood film. “It might happen after he is done with Surappa Babu’s film, Kotigobba 3. It might even start after he finishes another two to three commercial films. However, the groundwork for the film is already on,” our source says.