Jannat's Sonal Chauhan's Kannada debut

Get your low down on what's happening in the Kannada film industry right here!

The latest Bollywood entrant to Kannada film industry is Jannat girl Sonal Chauhan.

The lass is making her debut with Cheluveye Ninna Nodalu opposite Shivarajkumar. "I love love stories and this film being one, it was hard for me to reject the offer. Shivarajkumar being the hero came as a bonus," she says.

In Cheluve... Sonal plays a simple, girl-next-door character. The film is about how her life changes for the better and her faith in love is reinstated after meeting the hero, a tour guide.

"Due to certain tragic incidents in her family, my character had stopped believing in love. But her encounter with the hero changes her attitude to life and love," she says.

But in real life the actress clarifies that she is a die-hard romantic. "I believe that love helps in positive thinking," she says but is quick to add, "But then again I also feel that true love is something that exists only in the dream world!"

Getting back to the film, the actress says she enjoyed shooting for a song in which all the wonders of the world are shown. "While I enjoyed visiting each of these places, Taj Mahal remains my favourite destination," she says.

Sonal and the wonders of the world are not the only attractions. Director Raghuram has planned to erect a look alike of the Eiffel Tower in Bangalore's main theatre Nartaki. A photo exhibition containing stills from Shivarajkumar's films will also be held. An orchestra playing the actor's popular numbers from this film and his previous releases has also been organised.

Cheluveye Ninna Nodalu releases this weekend. It also stars Prem, Ramesh Arvind and Haripriya in pivotal roles.

Songs are another highlight of the film. In fact legendary actor and Shivarajkumar's father, Rajkumar's famous song Huttidare Kannada Nadalli huttabeku... has been remixed for the movie. 

Shivanna will also be seen donning costumes akin to what Rajkumar wore in some of his superhit films. The actor has also sung a song in the film.

The buzz is that a film inspired by Ram Gopal Varma's suspense thriller Kaun is soon to be made in Kannada.

Sources say Ramesh Ravind has been roped in to play Manoj Bajpai's role. His co-star from Preetinda Ramesh, Suma, is said to be the leading lady. Aasu Rajshekar is the director.

Ramesh will also be seen in the Kannada remake of No Entry. He will essay Anil Kapoor's role.

Producer Manju wanted Ramesh to even direct the film, but due to his other projects, Ramesh chose to act in the film. Now Udaya Prakash is said to be directing the film. Ravichandran, Srinagara Kitty and Ragini have also been roped in for this project according to sources.

Apart from these two films, Ramesh will be seen in Rangappa Hogbitnna. The film about how relatives land up at the hero's house to pay a visit to his dying father, while in reality the father shows no signs of kicking the bucket!

Ramesh will also be a part of an untitled family entertainer and also work in a project being produced by the makers of his earlier release Crazy Kutumba. The film is likely to have shades of Apthamitra. He will also be doing a TV show with real life couples titled Raja Rani Ramesh.

In the meanwhile the subject of his film which is reportedly on the life of Swamy Nityananda is likely to be changed.