PremiumKiccha Sudeep's gearing up for his next film with Anup Bhandari, but what is it going to be?
The Vikrant Rona actor and director had earlier announced two possible collaborations, Billa Ranga Basha and Ashwatthama. Will there be an official announcement on Anup's birthday on March 2?
Last Updated: 08.00 PM, Feb 28, 2022
Late last night, Kannada star Sudeep, posted a collage featuring an image of him from his upcoming fantasy action-drama Vikrant Rona and another from only hours earlier, taken at the pre-release event of his pal Pradeep Bogadi’s film, Yellow Board. The post was accompanied with the text, “Losing pounds,,,To gaining pounds, For the same director's conviction.The very sleek "VikrantRona" ,, To the new me,, for "???" The actor, it appears, is bulking up for his next with director Anup Bhandari.
Naturally, the post had fans of the actor in a tizzy, as they speculated what project he could be referring to. Prior to Vikrant Rona, director Anup Bhandari had actually announced a fantasy drama called Billa Ranga Basha with Sudeep, that was to be produced by the actor’s new banner, Supriyanvi Picture Studio, but prioritized the former. Then, during the pandemic lockdown, the filmmaker said that they would be collaborating on a film about the mythological character Ashwatthama. One of the most popular characters of the Mahabharatha, the warrior who fought for the Kauravas was cursed by Krishna to live for 3,000 years and roam the earth in distress. The film is meant to explore if Ashwatthama is still around in present day.
After Sudeep’s post, several fans replied wondering if their next collaboration would be Billa Ranga Basha, Ashwatthama or, for that matter, a Vikrant Rona sequel. One fan said that since Sudeep had put three question marks in quotes, it most definitely denotes Billa Ranga Basha. The overwhelming favourite choice, though, was Ashwatthama, given that the actor appears to be bulking up for the role, which would be ideal to play a mythological warrior.
Meanwhile, the post comes even as there’s no clarity on a Vikrant Rona release yet. The film, which was meant to open in movie halls on February 25, was pushed ahead in early February, before the state government announced relaxations in curfews and allowed 100% occupancy in theatres.