Upendra allots dates for his next with director Shashank

Upendra, who completed filming his portions for a Telugu film, had resumed shooting for R Chandru’s Kabzaa on March 3. He has now assigned dates for his next, which will be directed by Shashank. Filming will begin by the end of April and Upendra will juggle Kabzaa and this project. 

The film, which was officially announced by the actor-director two years ago, got pushed for various reasons, and the pandemic further delayed the project. A change of subject was broached in between as well. However, it is said that the makers have moved back to the old script — a family drama. 

Along with Upendra, the yet-to-be-titled project will feature 10 major characters. While a few artistes like Rangayana Raghu and Achyuth Kumar are already on board, the team will be finalising the rest of the actors soon.

As for the heroine, Rukmini Vasanth, who was the initial choice, had to exit the project owing to her commitment with Hemanth M Rao’s project. The director is now on a hunt for a new heroine.

The shooting of the film will begin in Belagavi, and it will be canned over three seasons. “We will begin in summer, and wrap it up in the early monsoon. A few portions will be shot in Bengaluru city,” says director Shashank, adding that the backdrop moves between an urban and rural setting.

Shashank turned producer with the Ajay Rao-starrer Thayige Thakka Maga, and this will be the second film made under his home banner. It will have music by Arjun Janya.