Shaji Karun's new film on Raja Ravi Varma

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 23 (IANS) Shaji N. Karun, the maker of award winning Malayalam films like "Piravi", "Swaham" and "Vanaprastham", has started work on his next film "Raja Ravi Varma" on the 19th century Indian painter.

The film is to be made in Hindi and Malayalam, and a leading Bollywood producer has reportedly evinced interest in the project.

"He has begun writing the script. Apparently he has gone underground because he does not like to be distracted when he is working," a close aide to Shaji told IANS.

The 53-year-old filmmaker is finalising the cast, which is expected to include leading stars from Kerala and Bollywood.

Shaji, who studied cinema and television making at Pune, began his career as a cinematographer. He worked behind the camera for around 40 films before turning to direction in 1988 with "Piravi".

The Malayalam film was selected in 70 international and national film festivals, including at Cannes, and received 31 awards including the president's gold medal for the best film in India in 1989.

His second film "Swaham" and later "Vanaprastham" too won rare reviews and several national and international awards.

Shaji has been part of the jury at many international film festivals.

Raja Ravi Varma, noted for his paintings inspired by the Hindu mythology, was born in the royal palace of Kilimanoor, situated in the suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram in 1848.

British painter Theodor Jenson taught him oil paintings. Varma won international acclaim after he won an award at Vienna in 1873.