Actor Shivraj Kumar to don 'paanwala' role

angalore, April 27 (IANS) After attempting to balance his career with action-oriented gangster films and tear-jerker sentimental flicks, hat trick hero Shivraj Kumar is now trying a variety of roles.

He is doing more films with younger directors who offer different types of scripts. He is also going for different looks with a range of get ups for his movies in the recent days.

In his next film "Paramesha Paanwaala", which was launched recently in Bangalore, he sports a new hair-do. In the last three films starting from the recently released "Sathya in Love" to the much-awaited action thriller "Maadesha", Shivraj was seen in different hair styles.

It will be interesting to see how he will look in the role of `Paanwala' (betel leaf seller) in the new film to be directed by young technician Mahesh Babu who has so far directed two successful films with 'Power Star' Puneet Raj Kumar, younger brother of Shivraj.

Mahesh Babu says the `Paanwala' role gives enough scope for Shivraj to showcase his talents in the comedy sequences. He also acts tough in many sequences in the film while confronting villains.

The story written by Janardhana Maharshi has lots of entertaining elements.

"I am sure that Shiv anna sir will be projected in a totally different manner in the film," says Mahesh Babu who has worked as an associate director to many films featuring Shivraj, including the superhit "AK 47". The film is produced by Aadithya Raj from Hyderabad who is also incidentally acting in a Kannada film "Anthoo Inthoo Preethi Banthu" in the leading role.

Shivraj says Babu had approached him with the story some time back, but he wanted some more improvements in the story. "Now it has has taken a good shape and has a very good feel."

Babu has roped in Hari Krishna to compose the music for this film. M.S. Ramesh will write the dialogues.

The film will be shot in Bangalore and Mysore. The songs of the film will be shot abroad but the locations are yet to be decided, said Babu.

Sonu, the heroine of the film "Inthi Ninna Preethiya' will be playing Shivraj's sister while Ashish Vidyarthi takes on the role of the villain. The heroine is yet to be finalised.