Raj B Shetty and Siri Ravikumar are in Ooty for Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye

The film, jointly produced by Applebox Studios and Lighter Buddha Films, was supposed to have Ramya in the lead, but she later withdrew, paving way for Siri’s entry

Raj will be paired with Siri Ravikumar and not Ramya

Ondu Motteya Kathe and Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana maker Raj B Shetty is gearing up to make his next film. A love story, the film is a collaboration between his Lighter Buddha Films and actress Ramya’s newly-launched production house Applebox Studios. Called Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, the film was supposed to have Ramya in the lead along with Raj and that is how it was announced on Vijayadashami earlier this month. Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye was supposed to be Ramya’s return to mainstream cinema after a gap of nearly eight years.

But then, as the team was set to go on floors with the film, the official handle of Applebox Studios announced that Siri Ravikumar would be a part of the film, adding in the same vein that Ramya’s much-awaited comeback will happen soon. Ramya, we hear, was quite gung-ho about returning to cinema, but after reading the script, which she loved, she felt that the role needed fresh talent. She voiced this concern to Raj, who was not sure why Ramya felt that way, but was onboard with her decision, keeping in mind the greater good of the film. He suggested Siri as a possible candidate.

Siri, who is best remembered for Sakutumba Sametha and the web series By Mistake, is also a part of Rakshit Shetty’s next production Bachelor’s Party, as well as an untitled film with Aravind Shastry. The team of Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye is currently in Ooty, where they will shoot major chunks of the film. They are expected to return only by mid-November.

Raj, who was last seen onscreen in cameos in 777 Charlie and Thurthu Nirgamana, has been signed up to play a pivotal character in composer Arjun Janya’s directorial debut, 45. The film, which was announced as a Shiva Rajkumar vehicle, also has Real Star Upendra on board.

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