Puneeth Rajkumar's next film titled Ninnindale

After the release of Yaare Koogadali (2012), Puneet Rajkumar's fans have been waiting for the actor to announce his next project. There was speculation that the actor may be doing a film with director Gautham Menon. Talks of him teaming up with his Yaare Koogadali director Samuthirakani also did the rounds.

There were also rumours about a famous Hindi director having approached the actor for his maiden Kannada production. Jacob Vergese, who had directed Puneeth's critically acclaimed film Prithvi, is also said to have narrated a script to him.

Putting all the speculations to rest comes the official news that Puneeth has signed up by Telugu film director Jayanth Paranjee.

Paranjee has worked with the likes of Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna and Venkatesh and this will be his first Kannada film.

The film, which is titled Ninnindale, was launched on March 17 to coincide with Puneeth's birthday. The actor is currently in Chennai shooting for his popular television show, Kannadada Kotyadhipathi.

It is not often that a newbie gets to make a big start in the film industry. But looks like Dhananjaya, the actor debuting with Director's Special, may have a different story to tell.

Even before his first film releases, Dhananjaya has bagged two A list projects. While he replaces Yogish in Raate to be directed by A P Arjun who has delivered hits like Ambari and Adhuri, he has also signed Om Prakash Rao's Huccha.

It may be recalled that Rao had made a film a decade ago with the same title. The film gave actor Sudeep his big break.

Actor Sharan is busy with V. The film will see him play the lead like in his previous and well received venture, Rambo.

V, Sharan says, is a laugh riot. However, he is not too keen on revealing the plot. But what he tells us is that actress Ragini Dwivedi has been roped in to shake a leg in a special number.

"The song comes at a crucial stage in the film. It is at this point that the story takes an unexpected turn." The song has been composed by Arjun Janya and sung by Kailash Kher. Sharan will also be seen with Ragini in the song.

The film—for which fans were asked to choose the title—is likely to release in the month of May.