Karthika Nair is Annakodi!

Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja has chosen his protege Radha's daughter, Karthika, in his next titled Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum.

While Karthika, who is currently in Kerala, could not be reached, Radha confirmed the news and said, "Yes, Karthika is doing my guru's film. She will play the titular role." Apparently, the director was impressed with the young actress' performance in her debut film, K V Anand's Ko and decided that she would be apt for the lead role in his film.

"During a special screening of Ko for Bharathiraja sir, he appreciated Karthika for her matured performance. He could not believe that it was the same little girl he had seen 10 years ago. Karthika was shooting in Hyderabad for Dammu (starring NTR Jr and Trisha), when Sir called to tell me that he felt she would be apt for the role. So, I met him in Chennai and heard the story," says an overjoyed Radha, who was introduced by the filmmaker in Alaigal Oyvathillai.

Not revealing the exact nature of the role, the actress adds, "For a beginner like my daughter, the character offers a lot of scope for performance. It is a beautiful role with variations."

The film stars Parthepan and also has Iniya of Vaagai Sooda Vaa fame and actress Eswari Rao in a crucial role. G V Prakash is the composer for the film. While there were reports that actor Vinay has been signed, Bharathiraj's manager clarified that the actor had not even been approached.

"The director is looking at dusky people who will look the parts. He has cast newcomers Acchan and Nakshatra, who are the children of his friend. The plot is a period romance and will talk about how life was in an earlier era and how it is now. We will be officially starting the project on November 17 in Theni in a grand manner. Around 150 people from Kollywood including Mani Ratnam, K Balachander and Balu Mahendra are expected to attend the puja. The first schedule will go on for 20 days after which there will be a break as Parthepan requires two months to get lean and prepare for his role," he said.