Venkatesh to try action role in 'Lakshmi'

Hyderabad, Jan 4 (IANS) After playing a trigger-happy cop in "Gharshana", a loving brother in "Sankranthi" and a patriot in "Subhas Chandra Bose", Venkatesh plays an action hero in "Lakshmi" slated for release on Jan 13.

Son of well known producer D. Rama Naidu, Venkatesh teams up with director V.V. Vinayak, known for making blockbusters like "Aadi" and "Tagore", for what the actor calls an "engrossing entertainer".

"It is a touching family drama cleverly balanced with action," Venkatesh said at a recent function here to release the film's audio. He added: "Vinayak is a talented guy and it was nice working with him."

Pretty Nayantara and Charmi play the female leads. The latter described hers as "a cute role".

Composer Ramana Gogula, who dished out musical hits like "Premante Idera", teams up with the actor after a considerable gap. He thanked Vinayak for giving him freedom to come up with a "soulful album".

B. Suresh predicted big success for his protégé and producer Bujji.

"Vinayak's films have a mass orientation and this one will take Venkatesh closer to masses", said Suresh, who was involved in Balakrishna's shoot-out episode some time ago.

With "Subhas Chandra Bose" directed by veteran Raghavendra Rao sinking without a trace, "Lakshmi" testifies to Venkatesh's recognition that he must work with younger directors, say sources close to the actor.

Click the Movie button below for more info:
Lakshmi