Narthan’s Shivarajkumar-starrer Bhairathi Ranagal muhurtha on May 26

Hattrick Hero Shivarajkumar is working at break-neck speed on his current commitments, moving from one project to the next with barely any gap in between. The actor, who is on the final schedule of his film with MG Srinivas, Ghost, is set to get cracking on his next home production. Shivanna, as the actor is lovingly known to his fans, will officially launch Bhairathi Ranagal, the film based on his character from Mufti on May 26.

To be directed by Narthan, who helmed Mufti too, Bhairathi Ranagal will serve as a prequel and sequel to the events of Mufti. Shivanna had revealed this after the announcement, adding that the film will focus majorly on the events leading up to how Bhairathi Ranagal became a gangster.

After the muhurtha, filming is expected to begin in the second week of June, possibly by June 10. Bhairathi Ranagal will see Devaraj, Madhu Guruswamy, Vasishta N Simha, among others, return to reprise their roles from Mufti. Also, back to join Narthan are Mufti cinematographer Naveen Kumar and music director Ravi Basrur.

In Mufti, Bhairathi Ranagal, a gangster, who was also a do-gooder for his village, is eventually apprehended and sent to jail, which has given rise to speculation that Rajinikanth’s Jailer, in which Shivanna has a pivotal cameo, could be related to Mufti/Bhairathi Ranagal, after all.

Meanwhile, Shivanna is also expected to begin work on composer Arjun Janya’s directorial debut, 45, which also stars Upendra and Raj B Shetty. Pre-production on this is on in full swing currently. His next release will most likely be Ghost, unless, the team of Nee Sigoovaregu decide to bring it to theatres. The Century Star also has Karataka Dhamanaka, directed by Yogaraj Bhat, which has Prabhu Deva on the cast as well.