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Sri Manjunatha – A preview

"Sri Manjunatha" is a multi-crore, multi-lingual and multi-cast devotional film directed by K Raghavendra Rao and produced by Nara Jayasree Devi under the banner of Chinni films, launched by the legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar... hmmm... that was long enough an intro.

The much talked of "Sri Manjunatha" is due for release shortly in the three languages of Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. The glory of the top stars like Chiranjeevi (Telugu), Arjun (Tamil) and Ambarish (Kannada) being starcast to perfection is sure to evoke a great response from the audience of all streams. Coming to the story line penned by Bharavi, it revolves around the sanctity of Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatha, the divine Lord of Kannadigas. Music composed by Hamsalekha sure adds to this.

Did I hear you ask, "What is so fascinating about the film?" Well, megastar Chiranjeevi is playing a full-length role of Lord Shiva unlike the brief one in Viswanath’s "Aapadbandhavudu". Meena is paired against him in the role of Goddess Parvati, while Arjun & Soundarya play disciples to the Lord Manjunatha.

And guess what? The film not only presents Megastar Chiranjeevi (who till date is known for his Brake dance) in an entirely different role but also has an eight-minute song based on Shiva Puranam featured on him under the dance direction of Madhavapeddi Murty. Action Hero Arjun also is heard to be pretty much impressed with the different role, so much so that he commented it to be a memorable one for him. On the other hand Director Raghavendra Rao seems to be pretty much comfortable with the film after the resounding success of "Annamayya".

Shot mostly in and around Karnataka, "Sri Manjunatha" to sum up with, seems to be everybody’s dream come true – Chiranjeevi’s - to play the role of Lord Shiva; Arjun’s – to work with Raghavendra Rao; Raghavendra Rao’s – to direct a Kannada film; Jayashree’s – to make a commercial film like Annamayya. And as for the success of the film, we just need to wait and see!