Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AS)

Mangaluru, May 26: Following the footsteps of bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan who prepare themselves for different characters in films, coastalwood actor Manju Rai is presently preparing for the role of Annappa for his next film 'My name is Annappa'.

The Mayur Shetty directorial 'My name is Annappa' is currently in its pre-production stage. Lead actor Manju Rai is working out on his body and looks to play the title role of Annappa.

According to director Mayur, Manju has three different characters to play in the film. "The lead hero will play three characters. While he has a beefed up look in some parts of the film, Manju will have to lose weight for some sequences," says Mayur.

The shooting of 'My name is Annappa' will reportedly begin in August later this year. The cast for most of the characters has been finalised. It is said that the director has approached an actress from sandalwood who seems interested in the role.