D Rajendra Babu teams up with Shivarajkumar

After delivering hits like Jodi Hakki, Devara Maga, Krishnaleele and Kurubana Rani, director D Rajendra Babu and actor Shivarajkumar are getting back to shoot for Naa Ninna Mareyalare. As soon as the title was announced, just like everyone else, we also wanted to know if the film would have anything to do with the hugely popular Rajkumar-Lakshmi starrer.

“I don’t blame people for thinking so. After all, Shivarajkumar’s father was the leading man in that film. But no, my film has nothing to do with that classic. I decided to go ahead with the same title as it suits our story which is all about love and companionship,” says the director. He is also considering a tag line that reads ‘Love andre ide!’ he adds.

While Rajkumar was seen playing a bike racer in the 1976 flick, this film will see Shivanna playing an athletic coach. “The heroine will essay the role of an athlete. We are looking for actresses from across the South Indian film industry to play this performance-oriented role. I am also open to casting an athlete and have got in touch with various sports clubs in this regard,” says Babu.

In the meanwhile, Shivanna is also said to be getting into the skin of the character. “Shivarajkumar is totally kicked about the film as he feels the role suits his age and personality to the T. In fact, I had narrated this story to him some 15 years back and I was shocked to know that he had not forgotten the story even after these many years. When I took the producers to meet him, he was the one who narrated the story to them and that too shot by shot! I am now, however,  reworking the script and am currently fine-tuning the climax. I am very particular about the way the film shapes us as a team. I am also hoping that this film gives me my much-needed break,” adds Babu.

Major portions of the film will be shot in Canada and Europe. The film is expected to go on floors in October as Shivanna is busy wrapping up Shiva, Lakshmi and Andar Bahar.