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Arbaaz Khan, who had a successful run as a producer with blockbuster Dabbang last year, will be doing his first Kannada film. He has been roped in to play the villain in Chatrapathi, directed by Dinish Gandhi.

Explaining his reason for choosing Arbaaz, Gandhi says, "Our audience is tired of seeing the same old faces, so I thought casting a different face will be a good idea. Arbaaz will also attract the multiplex audience."

Did Khan have any apprehensions about launching himself in a negative role in a Kannada film? "You must not forget that I started my career with a negative role (Daraar). The industry and language is not a barrier as long as the script is good. I really like my character," Khan says.

The actor will commence shooting in Vishakapatnam shortly, before moving on to Bangalore. The film is being shot in parts of Kerala as well. A set that includes 500 huts has been put up on the sea shore in Vizag.

Sidhanth, whose AK 56 is due for release this month, is the hero; Gandhi is currently in Chennai finalising the leading lady.

Chatrapathi is a high-budget film, likely to cost Rs 9 crore.  

Actor Vijay will be seen in a dual role in Rajanikantha. He plays college going lads, Rajani and Kantha. "At the outset I would like to clarify that the film has nothing to do with the legendary actor. It would be a crime to even imitate him. We have titled the film after his name just because we are all fans of his," says Vijay.

Vijay, inspired by Amir Khan in Three Idiots, has shed a lot of weight for the role. "I want to look young to fit the bill of a degree student," he says.

Moreover, the film will be a family entertainer because, says Vijay, "I have consciously decided to do more family oriented films. I now feel that because of my image as an action hero I signed a few wrong scripts."

Rajanikantha is directed by Pradeep Raj of Kirathaka fame. Vijay will start shooting for the film once he completes shooting for Bheema Theerada Hantakaru. His Jarasandha is due for release.

After sharing screen space with her mother and actress Sumithra, Nakshatra now gets an opportunity to work with her father, D Rajendra Babu. The actress who made her debut in Gokula will now act in Kuchiku directed by Babu. She is paired opposite Praveen in the film.

Nakshatra describes her role in the film as of a "very modern girl who likes to hang out with her friends." 

So what's it like being directed by one's father? Nakshatra says that he is very cool on the sets. "It's great working with him. In fact, the film came as a surprise to me. I didn't know that I was being cast as the heroine until the last minute," she says.