Is Raashii Khanna making her Kannada film debut with Darshan’s next?

A little while ago, Kannada filmmaker Tharun Sudhir took to social media to announce that the leading lady of his next with Challenging Star Darshan will be revealed tomorrow. “The leading lady of #D56 world has entered and we're all excited to introduce her! Stay tuned for the announcement tomorrow (Aug 5th) at 9.45 am 😊 #D56Update,” he wrote, along with a poster that reveals a part of the actress’ face.

Darshan fans, who have been waiting for an update on Tharun’s film, went into overdrive trying to figure out who it could be. While one section thought that the image looked like Sreeleela, some others said that it could be Ashika Ranganath, considering that the actress celebrates her birthday tomorrow. However, some fans said that both Sreeleela and Ashika would be mismatched with the Challenging Star, given both actresses are rather diminutive, compared to Darshan. The next name that came up and that many think is more likely right is that of Raashii Khanna, who is a popular name in Tamil and Telugu cinema.

The as-yet-untitled D56 is Tharun’s third film with Darshan after Chowkaa and Roberrt. Tharun had first announced that he would make a historical on freedom fighter Sindhura Lakshmana with Darshan. But reports now suggest that the duo will work on a different script that is being bankrolled by Rockline Venkatesh.

Meanwhile, Darshan is currently winding up his second film with V Harikrishna, Kranti, in which he is paired with Rachita Ram. The actor was in Poland recently, where the team shot for pivotal portions. Reports suggest that about 10-15 days-worth of shoot is pending on Kranti. The team has, however, already begun post-production, with the actor dubbing for his role. The film, according to sources, is being prepared for an end of 2022 release.

Recent images of the actor also suggest that he will sport a leaner, more muscular frame for Tharun’s film. There have also been rumours of hair transplant treatment, as the actor was pictured with a receding hairline in Kranti, and a much fuller head of hair in more recent images.