Race to direct Bunny gets bigger

Having delivered the biggest hit of the year, ‘Race Gurram’, Allu Arjun is on the wish list of every top director. Currently occupied with a significant role in ‘Rudhramadevi’, the actor’s next is still a mystery for his fans, especially after a host of directors like Sukumar, Boyapati Sreenu and Santosh Srinivas expressed their interest to direct him. Santosh on record said that he would direct Bunny or Ravi Teja.

However, sources close to the actor have confirmed that his immediate assignment after wrapping up ‘Rudhramadevi’ would be Trivikram’s romantic entertainer.

The source states, “Bunny has great respect for Trivikram and his work. He would start shooting for the writer-turned-director’s film from late August; he even participated in the muhurat of the film a couple of months ago. The director has almost finalised his cast and is set to complete the film in four months.”

Then, what is the status of his films with Sukumar, Boyapati and Santosh Srinivas? The source responds, “Santosh is definitely out of the equation as of now– this despite Bunny endorsing his script. While Sukumar, who has a long association with Bunny, will direct the actor early next year as he takes time to come up with a final draft, Boyapati is expected to take his script with the actor on the floors this year itself– most probably by year-end. Bunny liked the director’s script and has asked him to make certain changes, which the director has agreed to.”

What makes Bunny so special that top directors are after him of late? “He is a director’s delight. He owns the story from day one and does more than his bit to prepare for the role. He is always ready to dole out tips. Besides working over time, he even promotes the film in a way it needs to be,” the source adds further. Director Surender Reddy, who joined forces with Bunny for ‘Race Gurram’, seconds the statement.

“He is a darling. I can stop speaking to him for four days and on the fifth day, if I go and meet him, he is not the one who has complaints. I can yell at him and he won’t take offence; he is that friendly. I never had the same luxury with any of my other actors till now.”