Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 6: Kannada superstar Sudeep, who turned a year older on Wednesday, is entering an interesting phase of his career, with a diverse lineup of films that takes him from a futuristic dystopian world to the Vijayanagara Empire and a grounded multilingual drama.

Among his most-awaited projects is Billa Ranga Bhasha, directed by Anup Bhandari. Set in a futuristic world in 2209 AD, the film promises an ambitious fantasy-action experience. The first look of Sudeep’s character was unveiled on his birthday, offering fans a glimpse of the futuristic world he will inhabit. The project also marks his reunion with Bhandari after Vikrant Rona.

Sudeep will also step into a historical role in Devaraaya, in which he portrays Sri Krishnadevaraya, the celebrated ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire who reigned from 1509 to 1530. His first look, featuring royal attire and traditional jewellery, marks a departure from the contemporary and action-driven characters he has often played. The film is scheduled for release in December 2027.

Another notable project is School Bus, a multilingual film directed by Tamil filmmaker P Samuthirakani. Sudeep is expected to take on a more realistic and grounded role in the film, further highlighting the variety in his current choices.

Adding to the anticipation is Sudeep’s reunion with Kannada filmmaker, writer and actor Prem. Tentatively referred to as Prems10, the yet-to-be-titled project brings the duo together after their 2018 film The Villain. Prem has confirmed the collaboration, which has generated interest among fans. Sudeep had earlier made an appearance in Prem’s KD: The Devil.

However, Sudeep’s birthday celebrations this year were different from the large fan gatherings traditionally associated with the occasion. The actor chose not to celebrate with fans and instead made the day meaningful in memory of his late mother, Saroja Sanjeev.

As part of the gesture, four economically struggling families were gifted autorickshaws to help them establish a source of livelihood.

The gesture reflected a quieter side of the actor’s birthday, even as his professional calendar points towards an ambitious new chapter featuring vastly different characters and worlds.