Yogaraj Bhat’s Shiva Rajkumar-Prabhudeva film gets a new title

A few years ago, when Kannada filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat announced a possible collaboration with Century Star Shiva Rajkumar, he’d said that the film would be called Kuladalli Keelyavudo. It’s a name that’s remained, until this week. The film, which is currently in production and has on board Shiva Rajkumar, Prabhudeva, Nishvika Naidu and Priya Anand, has got a new title, Karataka Damanaka.

The period drama, which is reportedly set between the 1960s and 70s, gets its title from the central characters of the Mitra-bheda book of the Panchatantra, which has Karataka and Damanaka. This concept is apparently being worked into Yogaraj’s action entertainer.

Rockline Venkatesh, who is also acting in Karataka Damanaka as a cop, is currently backing two other Kannada projects. He’s got Challenging Star Darshan’s in-production next, tentatively called D56, which is being directed by Tharun Sudhir and introduces veteran actress Malashree’s daughter Radhana Ram as leading lady. Then there’s Junior Rebel Star Abishek Ambareesh’s as-yet-untitled fourth film with Madhagaja maker S Mahesh Kumar, which will go on floors shortly.

Yogaraj, who is fresh off the success of Gaalipata 2, has Garadi with Yashas Surya in the lead, as his next release. Prabhudeva will be seen in next week’s Luckyman, which has been directed by his brother, S Nagendra Prasad. The choreographer-filmmaker-actor will be seen in the special number Baaro Raaja, along with the late Puneeth Rajkumar, who plays god in the Kannada remake of Oh My Kadavule.

Shiva Rajkumar, who was last seen in Bairagee, has Nee Sigoovaregu and Vedha ready. He has a long list of films that he is committed to, including Arjun Janya’s 45, MG Srinivas’ Ghost, Lohith H’s Sathyamangala, as well as untitled movies with Sachin B Ravi, Rishab Shetty and Kotresh Chapparadahalli. He is also expected to be seen in a pivotal role in Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s next, Jailer.