Akkineni Nagarjuna's next venture is a period film, Rajanna, set in post-Independence Hyderabad.
He plays a patriotic character during the Razakkar regime (after India became independent, Hyderabad held out and the Razakkars become powerful even though the Nizam was still the head of state).
Rajanna will be produced by Nagarjuna under the aegis of Annapurna Studios, set up by his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
Vijayendra Prasad, father of top notch director S S Rajamouli, is making his debut as director. This veteran script writer has also written the story, screenplay and dialogues for Rajanna. The action sequences, though, are being directed by Rajamouli.
"On hearing the story of Rajanna, it was decided that such a good film should be made under the banner of Annapurna Studios," says Nagarjuna. "It is the story of a freedom fighter. The climax will be outstanding. Keeravani's music is the soul of the film. Huge sets were created by Ravinder for the agitation part. Any artiste would like to do such multifarious roles. I'm happy to have done this good film."
Sneha is the leading lady, while Swetha Menon, Nazar, Baby Aney, Ajay, Pradeep Rawat, Supreet, Mukesh Rishi, and Ravi Kale are also part of the cast. The camera is handled by Shyam K Naidu.
The film is likely to release this month.
