Pix: Rajnikanth starts shooting for Rana

Rajnikanth is known to work in one film a year. So after the stupendous success of Enthiran, the Superstar has speeded things up, as he has already started on his next project Rana.

The film, produced by Eros International and Rana Production Ltd, UK, went on the floors on April 29, with the customary pooja in the morning at Pillayar Koil inside the AVM Studios premises in Chennai.

Unfortunately, after the muhurat shot, Rajni had felt uneasy and had been hospitalised for dehydration and exhaustion. He was discharged later in the evening.

Director Panchu Arunachalam clapped the board while R M Veerappan switched on the camera. Dada Saheb Phalke award winner K Balachander directed the first shot. The veteran director is credited for having launched Rajnikanth.

Rana is a period film and has Rajnikanth in three roles. Deepika Padukone plays the lead opposite the young Rajni while Ileana and Tabu, reportedly, are the other two heroines. Sonu Sood has stepped in the villian's shoes.

AR Rahman has composed the music of the film and lyrics are by Vairamuthu.

The film has being made at a huge budget and is slated for release in the first half of 2012.

At the press meet on Friday, K S Ravikumar said that Rana is a period drama set in the 17th century and clarified that it is not a rehash of Sultan the Warrior, the animation film being made by Soundarya with Rajni in the lead, as rumours suggest.

Deepika Padukone said at the press meet that it was more than a dream come true for her to be acting with Rajnikanth.

Even daughter Soundarya seemed kicked about working with dad Rajnikanth on a film with big-scale production values.