Chennai, Jun 22 (IANS): "Udaan" and "Ugly" fame Ronit Roy has been roped in to play the antagonist in junior NTR starrer Telugu action drama "Jai Lava Kusa", a source said.

The film will mark his Telugu debut.

"Ronit plays the villain. He has already started shooting and the team is currently filming an action sequence in a stone quarry in Hyderabad," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

The source added that Kannada actor Duniya Vijay was originally considered for the role.

"The team felt Ronit would be a better bet because of the subject. They're really impressed with his work and are happy they've made the right choice to go with him," he said.

Being directed by Bobby, the film stars junior NTR in triple role.

For one of his roles, Ronit will be seen wearing prosthetic and the look is being handled by Hollywood make-up artist Vance Hartwell, popular for his work in films such as "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Shutter Island".

Raashi Khanna and Nivetha Thomas are playing the leading ladies.

Produced by Kalyanram, the film has music by Devi Sri Prasad.