Composer Arjun Janya’s film with Shiva Rajkumar is called 45

In late June, popular Kannada music composer Arjun Janya announced his plan to turn director. And for his debut, he didn’t choose to collaborate with Kiccha Sudeep, who he credits as his godfather in the Kannada film industry, but instead went with Century Star Shiva Rajkumar as his leading man. The film, he had said, would be produced by N Ramesh Reddy, who has backed movies like Uppu Huli Khara, Nathicharami, Paddehuli, 100, and the upcoming Gaalipata 2.

The film, which will have music by Arjun, has got a title, which was revealed today on the occasion of Shiva Rajkumar’s birthday. The film is called 45 and brings to fruition Arjun’s long-time dream of turning filmmaker. The music man has been quoted as saying that he’s been drawn to direction as a fan of Mani Ratnam movies and that his joy knew no bounds when Shiva Rajkumar agreed to be a part of his debut directorial, when he had found the right subject.

The film, according to the poster that has been revealed today with the title, will be released in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. The title was revealed by Shiva Rajkumar and his wife Geetha, Nagarjuna, Sivakarthikeyan and Prithviraj Sukumaran this morning.

Producer Ramesh had earlier said that the team would need at least three months-worth of pre-production before going on floors. Shiva Rajkumar, who turned 60 today, is currently working on his fourth project with choreographer-director A Harsha, called Vedha, which is also the Hattrick Hero’s debut home venture under their new Geetha Pictures banner. One of the busiest actors in Kannada cinema, Shiva Rajkumar also has films lined up with Ram Dhulipudi (Nee Sigoovaregu), MG Srinivas (Ghost), as well as untitled projects with Rishab Shetty and Lohith H, among others. Rubin Raj Productions has just announced a film to be directed by Kotresh Chapparadahalli with Shiva Rajkumar. Amid all this, he also has his film with Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, Jailer.