In the past, women actors such as Nayanthara and Amy Jackson have been paid whopping amounts to star in Kannada films. But for the first time, Kannada actor Rashmika Mandanna has been paid an amount that is among the higher salaries to star in a Kannada film. Reportedly, the Kirik Party actor has been signed up for the Dhruva Sarja starrer Pogaru and the filmmakers have shelled out about Rs 64 lakh to cast her in the role.
Pogaru, directed by Nanda Kishore, is touted to be a complete mass entertainer. According to reports doing the rounds, the shooting for the film was scheduled to start much earlier but had to be postponed with the lead star Dhruva Sarja requiring more time to work on his fitness, as per the requirements of the story.
Apart from Rashmika, the film will also feature Shanvi Srivastava as a woman lead. Veteran Telugu actor Jagapathy Babu has been roped in to play the baddie in this flick. The technical crew of Pogaru comprises Arjun Janya to score the music while the camera is handled by Vaidhi. The film is scheduled for release next year.
Rashmika made her acting debut a couple of years ago with the Kannada film Kirik Party, which turned out to be a massive hit. Since then, the actor has been tasting success consistently at the box office. She made her Telugu film debut earlier this year opposite Naga Shourya with Chalo and then featured in Geetha Govindam with Vijay Deverakonda, which was a major hit, and the big budget Devadas with Nagarjuna and Nani.
Apart from Pogaru, Rashmika has signed another Kannada film, Yajamana, which is in the post-production mode. Besides these Kannada films, she also has the Telugu film Dear Comrade in the making. There are rumours that she is likely to be signed as the leading lady opposite Vijay in his next with director Atlee.
(Content provided by Digital Native)