Catching up with Kannada stars at 'Ayya' launch

Bangalore, June 11 (IANS): It was a great occasion to catch up with Kannada superstars when three of them turned up at the launch of "Ayya", a film by one of their peers.

The film is being directed by Om Prakash Rao, currently the busiest Kannada director who occasionally acts in comedy oriented roles.

Superstar Ravichandran, who is doing well at the box office with his "Malla" and "Ramakrishna", was there to direct the launch shot at Kanteerava Studios here.

Another major attraction was Puneeth Raj Kumar, who wielded the camera, while Sudeep held the clap of the shot.

"Ayya" has young star Darshan in the lead, with Rakshitha playing his heroine for the second time in a span of just three months. Darshan and Rakshitha are also paired in the film "Kalaasipalya", directed by Om Prakash

for Ramu Enterprises.

"Ayya" has been making news for more reasons than one. It will be the first film for Darshan in a police officer's role. He has so far played only

underworld roles, particularly in hit films like "Majestic" and "Daasa".

The film will have music direction by Ravichandran who has for the first time agreed to do music for a film in which he will not be acting.

"When Om Prakash Rao requested me to compose music for 'Ayya', I was surprised. Because I was generally criticised by the media and even people

from the industry for lowering the quality of music. The success of 'Malla' seems to have changed that perception," Ravichandran said.

Glamorous Rakshitha, who plays a tomboy in the film, says she is happy to be working with Darshan and Om Prakash again.

"I play a role that is a replica of my own persona. It is the role of a talkative girl who wants to have some fun. The director has also told me that he will be writing some good emotional sequences for me."

Regular shooting of the film will commence July 1, and the film will be completed in two schedules.

The first schedule will be a 20-day one, with uninterrupted shooting in Hubli where some key sequences are being planned. The rest of the shooting will be in and around Bangalore.