S.S. Rajamouli's "Baahubali", which has emerged the biggest opener in the country, broke new technological boundaries and presented many creative challenges to its cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar, who spent hundreds of manhours on the film over a period of 24 months.

Annapurna Studio, the Digital Intermediate (DI) partners of "Baahubali", employed many technicians on the project. It is said that the DI process in the film was on the scale of Hollywood films.

"It was a pioneering effort. For the first time in India, we implemented Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) work flow. We started this project two years ago and did several researches on workflows, which was best suited in the long run and finally locked on ACES," C.V. Rao, Head - DI, Annapurna Studio, said in a statement.

"It gives lots of freedom and controls for VFX artists to play around with the footage," he added.

ACES is a colour image encoding system proposed by the Los Angeles-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Explaining the role of DI, Rao said: "DI is all about shooting digitally and getting that content into editing, colour, VFX and audio in the most efficient way."

"To begin with, all live shots reach the DI suit. We then check them thoroughly with all brightness, and contrast levels. Thereafter, deliver the right formats to VFX team. Later, the final edited picture along with VFX shots are blended together to enhance the look and mood of the film."

According to Senthil Kumar, digital colour correction process has become a very essential and prominent part of filmmaking today to deliver world-class product.

"Annapurna Studio offers a pool of highly talented manpower and sophisticated equipment that met our unprecedented high quality needs," Senthil said.

"The best part of the studio is the dedicated team -- right from colourist Shiva Kumar BVR to C.V. Rao and his DI crew -- that worked relentlessly to help us achieve the top possible quality. The kind of pressure under which the DI of the film happened is unbelievable. I'm very satisfied with the quality, service and support they have given us for the film," he said.

To get "Baahubali" out on such an aggressive schedule, Annapurna leaned hard on a post-production infrastructure built on additional DI suites, including several conforming stations.

In addition, an active backup solution with 400 TB (terabyte) of storage was also installed, which could immediately switch over if ISIS (Infinitely Scalable Intelligent Storage), a storage unit, failed.

"To meet the filmmakers' expectations, we brought in a completely new base light systems dedicated to the project," said Rao.

"Baahubali" is a heavy visual effects production and that made the challenge for DI team even more intense and we are glad that we could complement the film's theatrical and storytelling experience," he added.

Actress Richa Chadha says cheques handed out by film producers also bounce, but it doesn't matter to her as she "doesn't do films for money".

"Very few people do films for money, and I'm definitely one who doesn't do it for money. I think everyone who...has interactions with producers, has experienced cheque bouncing at least once," Richa said at the opening of a wildlife resort.

An actress acclaimed for her work in movies like "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" and "Gangs Of Wasseypur", Richa is happy with her journey in Bollywood so far.

"The industry has given me a lot. My journey as an actress started in 2012 and in these three years, (I've won) one Filmfare Award for Best Actress, Critics' (award for 'Gangs Of Wasseypur), one comic role award (Screen Award for 'Fukrey'), and 'Masaan' has won two awards at the Cannes International Film Festival."

"Along with this, (I've got) huge amount of money, numerous friends and tremendous fame...I'm hoping you'll see a lot more of me. I'm not waiting for the industry to do something for me, I'll take whatever I want on my own," she said.

One to always choose unique storylines and themes, Richa said: "I'll continue working like how I'm been working since the beginning of my career. I want to do good films and that's what I do usually."

"Masaan" will hit Indian screens on July 24.

Actor Harish Uthaman, who plays the baddie in upcoming Telugu family drama "Srimanthudu", says he was totally taken aback when he heard superstar Mahesh Babu speak fluent Tamil on the sets.

"It was my first day on the set. We were going to shoot an action sequence. I met Mahesh and we exchanged pleasantries. After the shot, Mahesh sat near the monitor and I joined him. Suddenly he started talking in Tamil, and I was totally awestruck," Harish told IANS.

"When I asked him how he knew Tamil, he said he did his college in Chennai. And that it was only after he started acting that he moved base to Hyderabad," he said.

Harish says Mahesh is a very "friendly" co-star with no airs.

"He's very helpful. Since I had a language barrier, there were a few shots that required multiple takes. He asked me not to worry and said that he's even willing to give 50 takes, if required. He's very considerate," he said.

Directed by Koratala Siva, the film features Shruti Haasan in the lead.

"I think this project will boost my career in Telugu filmdom. Mahesh and I feature in an amazing action sequence at the interval block," he added.

The film also features Rajendra Prasad, Jagapathi Babu, Sampath Raj, Sukanya and Mukesh Rishi in important roles.

"This is the third time Sampath and I are working together in Telugu," said Harish.

In Telugu, Harish is currently working in "Express Raja".

He also has "Paayum Puli", "Vil Ambu" and "Paisal" in Tamil.

Director Balaji Mohan, who consciously chose to go fully commercial with forthcoming Tamil entertainer "Maari", says the film is a fulfillment of how he has always wanted to see actor Dhanush on screen.

"I've been his (Dhanush's) fan right from his first film. I've always liked him as an actor as well as a star. The way he can carry himself in the offbeat as well commercial space is amazing. I've really liked him in his commercial avatars and I wanted to see him in a certain way. 'Maari', in a way, is a fulfillment of the way I want to see Dhanush onscreen," Balaji told IANS.

Known for his quirky, partly offbeat films such as "Kadhalil Sodhappuvathu Yeppadi" and "Vaayai Moodi Pesavum", Balaji is taking a plunge into the commercial stream with the film.

"When you see the trailer of 'Maari', you get a clear idea of how the film is going to be. And that's the kind of film I've always wanted to do. It's a conscious decision to go fully commercial with 'Maari' and break the perception audiences have created about me. It's not something that happened by accident," he said.

Quizzed if he found making a commercial film with a star challenging, Balaji said: "It's difficult when you're sensibilities are not in that space. My first two films belong to the space I created for myself after I started watching lot of international cinema and developed that taste."

"The sensibility on which 'Maari' has been made has always been there inside me. I never felt like traversing into an unknown territory with the film. I felt quite at home working on it," he added.

In the film, Dhanush is said to be playing a local hooligan, who goes with the catchphrase "Will finish you off". It features the "Raanjhanaa" star mostly in a dhoti-clad, cigarette-smoking and twirled-moustache avatar.

Balaji said he wrote the film exclusively for Dhanush, and wouldn't have made the film had he not agreed to be part of it.

He also clarified that "Maari" is much different from Dhanush's blockbuster "Vella Illa Pattathari", even though they fall in the commercial bracket.

Working with Dhanush was memorable for Balaji, who admires the freshness that the former brings to his performance in every film.

"He's a very spontaneous actor and at the same time he thinks a lot. It's a combination I've very rarely seen in actors," Balaji said.

"He is always preparing on sets, but it isn't evident to the people around him. It just feels like he comes and performs without any preparation. But I know he's always thinking about his role, preparing, and that's why all his performances are always fresh," he said, and added that Dhanush never wanted to be treated like a star.

The film, which releases in cinemas on Friday, also starts Kajal Aggarwal as Dhanush's love interest.

Tamil actor Arun Vijay, who emerged as a promising antagonist with Gautham Vasudev Menon's Tamil thriller "Yennai Arindhaal", has landed another opportunity to play the baddie in actor Ram Charan's yet-untitled next Telugu outing.

"Arun Vijay was signed as the baddie long back. He has been silently shooting for it for quite some time now. It's a powerful role," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

It is said to be his performance in "Yennai Arindhaal" that convinced Sreenu Vaitla to rope him in.

"Vaitla sir really liked his work in that film. In fact, the makers had initially planned to sign another popular actor from Tamil, but Arun bagged the role finally," the source said.

The film also stars Rakul Preet Singh, Kriti Kharbanda and Amitash Pradhan in important roles.

Produced by D.V.V. Danayya, the film has music by S.S Thaman.

Salman Khan will sail into the children's world with a special TV series - “Selfie Le Le Re with Kris and Salman” and “Bheem aur Bajrangi Bhaijaan” -- through which he will give a glimpse of his swift action moves and dole out tips to become a star.

Salman will be seen defeating 'bad men' and giving tips on becoming a superstar in the two TV series, created especially for children, in partnership with POGO and Cartoon Network channels, read a statement.

While “Selfie Le Le Re with Kris and Salman” will premiere on July 18 on Cartoon Network, “Bheem aur Bajrangi Bhaijaan” will beam on July 19 on POGO.

The “Dabangg" star will help superhero Kris (from the “Roll No 21” series) realise his dreams of being a superstar in the 90-minute special “Selfie Le Le Re with Kris and Salman”. They will also shake a leg on “Selfie le le re” song from "Bajrangi Bhaijaan".

For “Bheem aur Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, Salman will draw parallels between his character in the film and superhero Chhota Bheem.

The TV series are a part of the promotional activity for Salman's forthcoming film “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The much-anticipated film narrates an emotional story of a man's journey from India to Pakistan in his endeavour to take a dumb and mute girl to the other side of the border. The Kabir Khan directorial will release on Friday.

Arjun Kapoor has denied rumours that he will take on as the host of a few episodes of "Comedy Nights With Kapil" while Kapil Sharma recuperates from an injury. However, he says he remains a fan of the show.

"Have woken up to random things before in the media...but this is a different level...they have attached my name to be part of comedy nights. I love television in India & @KapilSharmaK9. I remain a fan of the show as a viewer...that's it not gonna host episodes. #randomnewsday (sic)," Arjun tweeted on Monday.

Comedian Kapil Sharma, who hosts the show, is recovering from a slip disc and he has been advised three weeks' rest, a source close to him told IANS, adding that in his absence, every episode of the show will have a different host.

Names like Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh and filmmaker Sajid Khan are reportedly going to host episodes of the show.

However, officials at channel Colors, which airs "Comedy Nights With Kapil", were not available to comment on the matter.

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, who was busy filming five projects in 2014 and was last seen in Subhash Kapoor's "Guddu Rangeela", is thrilled with her "hectic" and "challenging" career.

"Last year, I've ended up working on five projects. It was an insane experience - working with so many amazing people. Every time I was offered another film, I was like

'Oh my god, is this for real?' It was hectic, challenging and really amazing," the 28-year-old actress told IANS.

She believes that with fire in one's belly, "no challenge is big enough".

"There's always more that you want to do and achieve," added Aditi, who has earlier featured in films like "Delhi-6", "London, Paris, New York", "Rockstar" and "Khoobsurat".

Aditi was in Bengaluru for the "Kingfisher Derby Draw of Lots", where she picked the position of the race horses for the Kingfisher Derby event that took place on Sunday.

On the cinema front, she will next be seen in Bejoy Nambiar's "Wazir", starring Amitabh Bachchan, and Abhishek Kapoor's "Fitoor". She says these two films are "special" to her.

"'Wazir' and 'Fitoor' are two very special films to me. I am really looking forward to them. The making of the films and the people associated with them have just been so special; it's very difficult to even express in words how amazing the experience has been," Aditi said.

Her latest release "Guddu Rangeela" saw her share screen space with Arshad Warsi and Amit Sadh. Happy with the response that the film has received, she said: "I think it’s one of those movies that is picking up by word of mouth - people have liked it a lot. It is a very different movie and the response has been great.

"People have really enjoyed the character that I play - Baby; she is very quiet and strong."

Does she identify with the character Baby?

"Not at all actually! Baby is very guarded, mysterious, and doesn’t let anyone in. She’s got that wide eyed innocence about her, but in her mind she is quite strong and silent. I am totally the opposite," quipped the actress with a million dollar smile.

Southern music composer M.S. Viswanathan, who has over 750 films to his credit, died at a private hospital here on Tuesday. He was 87.

MSV, as he was fondly called by the members of Tamil filmdom, was undergoing treatment at Fortis Malar hospital for old-age related ailments and breathing problem.

"He passed away around 4.30 a.m. on Tuesday," a family source told IANS.

Popular for composing music in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam industries, MSV started his career as a composer for 1952 film Tamil "Panam" starring Sivaji Ganeshan.

MSV was popular for his collaboration with fellow composer T.K. Ramamurthy. The duo composed music for 86 Tamil films during their association of over a decade.

Having started composing together in 1952, they split up in 1965. Some of their best films include "Paasamalara, "Sumaithaangi", "Server Sundaram", "Aayirathil Oruvan" and "Enga Veetu Pillai".

Post the separation, MSV went on to become more successful.

Viswanathan's solo hits include "Bama Vijayam", "Galatta Kalyanam", "Deivamagan", "Moondru Dheivangal", "Rickshawkaran", "Bharatha Vilas" and "Ulagam Sutrum Valiban".

Popularly known as 'king of light music' (Mellisai Mannar), Vishwanathan has also worked in Malayalam films such as "Manthrakodi", "Babu Mon", "Ullasa Yathra" and "Amme Anupamea".

In Telugu, his compositions include "Tenali Ramakrishna", "Anthuleni Katha", "Idhi Katha Kaadu", "Aakali Rajyam" and "Maro Charitra".

MSV and legendary filmmaker K. Balachander combination had produced several evergreen classics.

Viswanathan's wife Janaki died in 2012. A year later, his best friend and composer T.K. Ramamurthy too died.

He is a recipient of Kalamamani and several other music awards.

MSV is survived by four sons and three daughters. His last rites will be performed on Wednesday.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui said he had to take various steps for one and a half months to detach from the character he plays in director Ketan Mehta's "Manjhi - The Mountain Man".

"I had to apply a lot of practices on myself for one and a half months in my quest of trying to come out of myself. I set off to Jaisalmer and would vanish for 8-10 days. I went to places where people didn't know me, just to get a reality check, to feel like a normal person," Nawazuddin told the media at the trailer launch in Mumbai on Monday.

The movie, based on the life of Dashrath Manjhi who worked tirelessly for 22 years to break open a mountain to build a road in Bihar, will release on August 21.

The film, which stars Radhika Apte opposite Nawazuddin, has music by Sandesh Shandilya.

Upcoming quirky film "I Am Mr Mother", directed by I. A. Siddique has impressed everyone who has seen the rushes of the unusual drama but one endorsement that will mean much to the makers is the praise by megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

The film's lead actor, Gabriel Vats had the opportunity to meet Amitabh at the sidelines of the DVD launch of the megastar's "Piku" and narrated the film's story to him. He also showed him the poster of himself as a pregnant man.

Amitabh was completely impressed and appreciated the concept of the film, terming it "really good", said Vats. Requested to come to their upcoming screening, he promised he would if his schedule allowed.

"I Am Mr Mother" highlights the hardships faced by pregnant women and focuses to draw attention to the numerous pregnancy deaths in the country, with the depiction of a pregnant male. The film is a bold and grim portrayal of human emotions and relationships against the backdrop of love and despair.

The film along with Vats, also stars actresses Munmun Guha and Nishi Singh in lead roles, and is all geared up for release on July 24.

Director Ketan Mehta's upcoming venture "Manjhi- The Mountain Man" had courted controversy - over the rights to making it - like many of his earlier films and he thinks that he is controversy's child.

"I think I'm a child of controversy. Controversies seek me out... I don't seek them out," said Mehta at the trailer launch of the movie.

"On the last day of shooting we receive a legal notice where someone was claiming to have the exclusive right to make a film on the 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi's life. We are told that that Manjhi had put his thumb impression (on documents) four days before his death in an ICU. It was a complete fraud case. And we had to fight it in Patna from a small court, district court then from a high court and we finally won the case and that's how the film is now ready to release."

Controversies are not new to Mehta as several people had raised objections to the portrayal of artist Raja Ravi Varma in his last release "Rang Rasiya" and he reveals that it took five years to get clearance from the Censor Board.

As far as "Mangal Pandey: The Rising" was concerned, political parties like Bhartiya Janata Party and Samajwadi Party had objected to the characterization of Pandey.

"Maya Memsaab" also had run-ins with the Censor Board for a steamy lovemaking scene between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepa Sahi which was later removed. This scene had resurfaced on the internet a few years back and had gone viral.

His latest film, which stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, will release on August 21.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is overwhelmed as his new song titled “Le panga” has garnered a positive response not only in India but in foreign shores as well.

The 72-year-old showed off his musical prowess through a promotional song for Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The cine icon has lent his voice to a song, which has been released in four versions.

“'Le panga' trending in Egypt! Thank you all in Egypt especially our Ef (Extended family) for making this possible...it is quite remarkable and most unexpected...one can expect it to trend here in India, but in a foreign land can only mean one thing - our Ef presence and their motivated efforts...I am so humbled,” Big B shared on his official blog.

The song has been penned by Piyush Pandey.

The actor, who has also sung numbers like "Holi khele Raghuveera" and "Ekla chalo re" and "Piddly", also credited the team behind the track for its success.

“My gratitude also goes out to all those that designed and constructed such beautiful creatives for the song and helped me put them up on different platforms...your dedication and love is immeasurable... and I must have done some ‘punya’ in my past life to have deserved this kindness and affection...‘punya’ : a good deed,” he posted further.

On the professional front, the actor will be seen in “Wazir” on the silver screen this year and will also be walking into the small screen in his superhero avatar via TV series "Astra Force".

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar on Tuesday paid tribute to legendary music director Madan Mohan on his 40th death anniversary.

The 85-year-old singer took to micro-blogging website Twitter to remember the music director, who was known for composing ghazals, mainly using the voices of Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood and Mohammed Rafi.

"Aaj prasiddha sangeetkar Madan Mohan ji ki 40vi punyatithi hai.Main unhe shraddhanjali arpan karti hun,aur koti koti pranam karti hun. (Today is famous musician Madan Mohan's 40th death anniversary. I pay my respects and tribute to him.)," she tweeted.

Lata and Mohan worked together on songs like "Lag ja gale" from the 1964 film "Woh Kaun Thi" and "Chhayye barkha bahar" from the 1969 film "Chirag".

Superstar Rajinikanth said on Tuesday that late legendary composer M.S. Viswanathan has played a prominent role in the success of Tamil cinema doyens like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Sivaji Ganeshan.

"You will rarely find someone like MSV in any industry. He lived life like a selfless saint, free from jealousy and lies. He was behind the success of legends like MGR and Sivaji," Rajinikanth told reporters here.

Rajinikanth was among many celebrities who paid their last respects to Viswanathan, popularly known as MSV, who passed away at a private hospital on Tuesday.

"If not for MSV, the careers of filmmaker Balachander, lyricists Vaali and Kannadasan wouldn't have tasted huge success. May his soul rest in peace," he said.

MSV, 87, dieed due to age-related issues and breathing problem.

In his illustrious career lasting over four decades, he composed music for over 750 southern films, mostly Tamil.

As a mark of respect, the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) has announced in an official statement that all film-related activities in Tamil filmdomon Wednesday stand cancelled.

His last rites will be performed on Wednesday.

MSV was popular for his collaboration with fellow composer T.K. Ramamurrthy. The duo composed music for 86 Tamil films during their association of over a decade.

Having started composing together in 1952, they split in 1965. Some of their best films include "Paasamalar", "Sumaithaangi", "Server Sundaram", "Aayirathil Oruvan" and "Enga Veetu Pillai".

Post the separation, MSV went on to become more successful.

Viswanathan's solo hits include "Bama Vijayam", "Galatta Kalyanam", "Deivamagan", "Moondru Dheivangal", "Rickshawkaran", "Bharatha Vilas" and "Ulagam Sutrum Valiban".

Popularly known as 'king of light music' (Mellisai Mannar), Vishwanathan also worked in Malayalam films such as "Manthrakodi", "Babu Mon", "Ullasa Yathra" and "Amme Anupame".

In Telugu, his compositions include "Tenali Ramakrishna", "Anthuleni Katha", "Idhi Katha Kaadu", "Aakali Rajyam" and "Maro Charitra".

MSV and legendary filmmaker K. Balachander combination produced several evergreen classics.

Viswanathan's wife Janaki passed away in 2012. A year later, his best friend and composer T.K. Ramamurthy breathed his last.

He was a recipient of Kalamamani and several other music awards.

MSV is survived by four sons and three daughters.

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan says late legendary composer M.S Viswanathan (MSV), who passed away here on Tuesday, has an inseparable place in Tamil cinema and his music will always be remembered.

"MSV has blended into Tamil cinema history. He is part of Tamil and south Indian cultural tapestry. He has become the background score of many people's lives. They nostalgically recount their own life with his music," Kamal said in a statement.

He also said he has fans beyond his own generation and times.

"A good example is my daughter Shruti. She was studying music in US, and on her return she wanted to meet MSV, for she had become his fan," he said.

Kamal said that MSV always brushed aside his fame and glory to celebrate other artistes irrespective of their age.

"We will only miss him in his physical form. His music will stay on. I'm thankful to him for enriching my life with his music," he added.

MSV, 87, passed away due to old-age related issues and breathing problem.

In his illustrious career lasting over four decades, he had composed music for over 750 southern films.

A commercial chopper carrying singer Palash Sen was caught in a thunderstorm and had to land on a highway near Assam's Gohpur town on Tuesday.

The MI 172 chopper run by Pawan Hans took off from Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh around 8.30 a.m. for Guwahati.

It was caught in a thunderstorm, making it difficult to fly and the pilot decided to land on a highway in Gohpur in Sonitpur district, around 300 km from Guwahati.

There were about 24 people in the chopper -- 19 members of Sen's troupe and five crew members.

"Many have lost their lives in chopper accidents. Got caught in a thunderstorm mid air today and for a moment, I thought it was all over. Thank you god. Landed safe and sound in the middle of a road. The pilot showed great character. Saved us, gave me a second chance!" Sen wrote on his Facebook page.

Sen is in the northeast since the last few days promoting his new film "Aisa Yeh Jahaan".

The musician also uploaded photographs of the chopper landing on the highway and said, "these people came over to see if I was alright. They say you witness love in the strangest of places and situations.. I am blessed.. Jaan bachi, toh laakhon paaye!"

In between his busy schedule of working in movies, critically acclaimed actor Rajkumar Rao likes to explore cities around the world -- especially on his feet. It is also something he did while exploring Budapest, Vienna and some small towns in Austria.

The National Award winning talent, known for his performances in films like "Shahid" and "Queen", loves exploring destinations new to him, and instead of taking a ride, he keeps walking miles altogether.

Doing this helps him learn intricately about a lot of different places, cultures and people at his own pace -- which also aids him in adding to his on screen characters off and on.

"You tend to miss out on a lot of details when you are at a faster pace. These little things that you discover when you walk around exploring places are very enriching. So, in between my films I travel frequently as it helps me spend time with myself and observe and find different and unique characters as well," Rajkumar said in a statement.

Actress Kajal Aggarwal, who has teamed up with Dhanush for the first time in forthcoming Tamil actioner "Maari", says the actor always sets new benchmark with his performance.

"Working with Dhanush was amazing. He's undoubtedly one of the most talented actors I've collaborated with. When you're working with somebody of very high calibre, who raises the bar every single time, you automatically work harder," Kajal told IANS.

The pair was supposed to team up on two occasions in the past, the plans didn't materialise.

"Dhanush and I were supposed to work together for 'Polladhavan'. We even did a photo-shoot together, but I had to choose between this film and 'Chandamama' in Telugu because of the dates. We were again supposed to work together, but things didn't fall in place," she said.

Directed by Balaji Mohan, the film is slated for release on Friday.

Balaji is one of the youngest directors Kajal has worked with.

"He's so focused and driven by passion for his craft that I really enjoy working with him. I really like working with people with fresh ideas, concepts and a different perspective towards cinema," she said.

By working in "Maari", Kajal overcame one of her worst fears.

"There are a lot of birds in our film and I'm really scared of them, especially pigeons. But thanks to the experience of holding pigeons in my hand, I've successfully overcome the fear," she said.

Southern film actress Madhuurima has joined the sets of Hindi film "Azhar", a biopic on former Indian cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin as an assistant director. She will soon leave with the film's crew for a month-long shoot in Britain.

"Madhuurima has joined as an assistant to director Tony D'Souza on this project. Tony's wife and Madhuurima are good friends and that's how she landed an opportunity to work on this biopic," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

Starring Emraan Hashmi, "Azhar" is said to bring forth the controversial yet famous story of one of the most successful Indian captains.

"For long, Madhuurima wanted to understand filmmaking from close quarters. So, she decided to work as an assistant director to get hands-on experience," the source.

The film also features Pracchi Desai, Nargis Fakhri, Huma Qureshi and Gautam Gulati in important roles.

Madhuurima has starred in southern films such as "Shadow", "Veta", "Temper" and "Aambala".