Gunashekar next to cost Rs150 cr

Seasoned director Gunasekhar is planning one of the costliest films in his career. The director of blockbusters like  ‘Chudalani Undi’ and ‘Okkadu’ is teaming up with hotshot Rana Daggupati for a mythological film ‘Hiranyakasipudu’   and budget is expected to touch Rs 150 crore, according to an industry source. “Apart from being the costliest films in Guna’s career, it will go down as  one of the big budget flicks in the annals of Telugu cinema,” adds the source. 

 The cost factors in lavish sets, costumes, casting besides major chunk for CG work,  adds the source. “Gunasekhar is not new to lavish extravaganzas. Earlier, he erected Charminar set in ‘Okkadu’ and recretaed Madurai Meenakshi Temple for ‘Arjun’ in Hyderabad and also won praise for the eleganat sets in ‘Varudu,’ points out the source. After duds like ‘Nippu’, the 50-plus director wants to make a big comeback and chose a mythological film. “Two decades ago, he made a succesful mythological film “Balaramayanam’ and drew critical acclaim. 

After a gap, he is returning to this genre, because he has found Rana to play the revered role of demon king.  Although, it is story of ardent devotee Prahaladha, it will showcase the rise and fall of demon king who took on the might of Lord Vishnu’ the source concludes.