Pix: The only Kannada release this Sankranti

Luck seems to favour director K M Chaithanya and Chethan this Sankranthi because their second Kannada film together, Suryakanthi will be the only Sankranthi release this year.

Chennai-based Regina who has already worked in two Tamil films is the heroine in Suryakanthi.

Chaithanya struck gold with his first film Aa Dinagalu which not only won prestigious awards, but was also a commercial success.

Chethan had just returned from the US -- where he underwent training in acting -- when he was chosen to play the lead in Aa Dinagalu.

As for the director, he says that Suryakanthi will be full length commercial entertainer.

"Yes, I am following a different pattern of narration in this film. Suryakanthi focuses on providing entertainment to the viewers. I have added a lot of commercial elements in the film. I don't have any pretentions about it. I admit that the film follows a pattern that is seen in many successful blockbusters. But I can also assure you that the film will not be fully formulaic and will have its moments that will appeal to the aesthetic sense of the audience," says Chaithanya.

The film's story written by the well known writer Narayana Swamy, has all the ingredients of romance, struggle, action and family values.

Chaithyanya has shot the film in Uzbekisthan where film shootings rarely take place.

He has also shot in the hilly areas of Uttaranchal, Goa besides shooting in Belgaum and Bengaluru.

H C Venu who did some exceptional work in Chaithanya's first film is the man behind the camera here too.

As for music, Chaithanya is backed again by music Maestro Ilayaraja, who has composed five songs.

Chethan sports a new look in the film.

After Aa Dinagalu, he'd acted in Birugaali directed by choreographer Harsha which did not meet the huge expectations of the audience. He is also seen in a guest role in the recently released Puneet Raj Kumar-Priyamani starrer Raam which is now turning out to be big hit.

But Chethan worked hard to tone his body for this action oriented film.

"I play the role of a contract killer in the film. The character needed a tough look which I had to work on. I even changed my hairstyle," he says.