Sekhar plans Telugu blockbuster against Godavari backdrop

Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) After bagging six awards for his film "Anand", Telugu film director Sekhar Kammula is now coming up with another romantic-comedy "Godavari", and expectations are already soaring high.

He has roped in good-looking actor Sumanth and the very attractive Kamilini Mukerjee to play the lead pair.

"It is basically a tale of idealistic youth," says Sekhar who claims to have toyed with many ideas before zeroing in on this "fresh concept". The theme is set against the backdrop of the sacred river Godavari.

"I could have explored another genre, but I wanted to revisit my audience with yet another light-hearted entertainer as a sign of gratitude," explains the filmmaker.

Sekhar was initially reluctant to sign Sumanth as he hails from a star family. "He turned out to be very friendly and down-to-earth and it was smooth sailing", says the director who promises realistic heroics from the nephew of Nagarjuna.

Kamilini also has a significant role as a person who helps the hero accomplish his goals. The actress, who bagged the state award for portraying a progressive girl to perfection in "Anand", hopes to make a comeback with this film after a dud like "Meenakshi".

Upcoming composer Radhakrishna, who relies on classical tunes, says Sekhar has "given me a free hand and extracted soulful songs". Veteran lyricist Veturi also thanked the director for "allowing me to pen pure-Telugu lyrics".

With producer G.V.G. Raju of "Tholi Prema" fame joining hands with Sekhar, it certainly seems that the duo has a winning combination in their hands.