Shivarajkumar on collab with Hemanth M Rao: ‘Bhairavana Kone Paata is physically demanding, so…’

The plan was for Shivarajkumar to begin work on his maiden collaboration with Hemanth M Rao, Bhairavana Kone Paata, by the end of 2024. But God had other designs for the Century Star, who is currently in recovery after a nearly year-long battle with cancer. When news of Shivarajkumar’s cancer diagnosis came out, there was wide-spread speculation that Bhairavana Kone Paata would either be shelved or get a change of title, given that it was unclear at that point about the gravity of the actor’s situation.

After Shivarajkumar returned from Miami, where he had surgery to remove and replace a cancerous bladder, these rumours came up again, which Hemanth dispelled, stating that Bhairavana Kone Paata would, most certainly, happen, albeit when the actor is in a much better physical state. Shivarajkumar has just resumed shooting for the untitled 131st film and will be headed to Hyderabad for Ram Charan’s next.

Also read: Geetha Shivarajkumar opens up on Shivarajkumar’s cancer diagnosis: ‘He’s been battling it since March last year…’ 

Shivarajkumar to do a special role in Hemanth M Rao's next

In an interaction with Tv9 Kannada, Shivarajkumar also confirmed that Bhairavana Kone Paata has been put on hold for now, as it is a physically demanding role, including horse riding and sword fighting, etc., which he is not in a position to do at the moment. However, the Hattrick Hero adds that Hemanth will do another film, in which he wants the actor to do a pivotal role. “Hemanth’s priority is Bhairavana Kone Paata, but since it is going to take me time to get into that zone, he wants me to do a special appearance in this new film. I have heard the story; it’s quite interesting,” said Shivarajkumar.

The actor also says that the reason the team's decided to push Bhairavana Kone Paata ahead is because he wants to do justice to the role. "I don't want to cheat with a body double or pretend to ride a horse when I am actually not. As of now, the plan is to begin Bhairavana Kone Paata, a couple of months after Hemanth's new film," adds Shivarajkumar. 

Also read: Two months post-surgery, Shivarajkumar opens up on his recovery: 'I still get tired, but...' 

The Century Star, who returned from the US in late January, has been taking things light, as advised by his doctor, as he’s still getting used to the neo-bladder that was created from portions of his intestine. He had recently said that he’s back to his morning walks without any hitch, with the only hassle in bending, given that he’d had open abdomen surgery.