Shanvi Srivastava and Skanda Ashok’s horror flick Kasthuri Mahal to release on May 14

Shanvi Srivastava, who debuted in Kannada cinema with the horror flick Chandralekha, is set to return to the genre with Kasthuri Mahal. The film, which is Shanvi’s first heroine-centric subject in Kannada will release in theatres on May 14, say the makers.

Shot at locations across Kottigehara near Chikkamagaluru, the film also stars Skanda Ashok, Shruti Prakash, Vatsala Mohan, Rangayana Raghu, Kashima and Ninasam Ashwath. The first look teaser of the film had been released in September last year.

Kasthuri Mahal, which has a thriller subject is the milestone 50th movie of veteran filmmaker Dinesh Baboo, known for superhit films like Suprabhatha and Amruthavarshini. The paranormal thriller, written by Dinesh, is apparently based on a real-life incident and inspired by the filmmaker’s personal experiences.

The film was initially called Kasturi Nivasa, but the title was subsequently changed, as it is the same as a Dr Rajkumar movie, which holds great sentimental value among Kannada audiences. Although Dinesh Baboo tried explaining the importance of Kasturi Nivasa as a title for his film, it fell on deaf ears, forcing him to change the title. The original choice of heroine was Rachita Ram, but she opted out of the project, after which Shanvi was finalized for the role. Kasturi Mahal has music by Gumineni Vijay and cinematography by PKH Dass. The film has been produced by Ravish RC and Rubin Ra.

Shanvi, who was last seen onscreen in the Rakshit Shetty-starrer Avane Srimannarayana, is also looking forward to the release of Bang in which she plays a gangster. She’s also got Thrishulam opposite Upendra and Mahaveeryam in Malayalam.