'Raja Rani' star Arya is back in the Telugu-Kannada film 'Rajaratham'. Directed by Anup Bhandari, the film sees the Kollywood hero in a special role.

Arya, in fact, accepted the role 5 minutes after listening to Anup's narration on the telephone. Ever since he watched Anup's Sandalwood blockbuster 'Rangitaranga', Arya had been wanting to work with Anup. When the opportunity came his way, he warmed up to it. The film had run for one year in many theatres in Karnataka.

"When Arya sir heard the narration, he got in touch with Anup's father pronto. When he received a call from Anup, the hero was in London, where he was participating in a high-profile cycle rally event. As is known, Arya sir is a cycling aficionado. He could complete the 1400 Kms race he was participating in a mere 4.5 days with limited rest. He would listen to 'Rajaratham' during the short 10-15 minute breaks he would have during those 4.5 days," the makers say.

The star of such hits as 'Madrasapattinam' and 'Raja Rani' is currently doing C Sundar's 'Sangamithra'.

About 'Rajaratham':

The rom-com stars Nirup Bhandari and Avantika Shetty in lead roles. P Ravishankar has a key role. Written and directed by Anup Bhandari, the film is produced by Anju Vallabhaneni, Vishu Dakappagari, Sathish Sastry & Ajay Reddy of Jollyhits.

Anup's critically-acclaimed Kannada hit 'Rangitaranga' received the below set of awards:

1. Winner of 8 IIFA awards including Best Film category

Anup Bhandari won 3 awards out of it – Best Director, Best Music Director and Best Lyricist

2. Winner of 4 Filmfare awards including Best Film and Best Director

3. Nominated in 7 out of 9 categories in SIIMA awards including Nirup Bhandari as Best Debutant Actor. Won 4 Awards of which Anup Bhandari won 2 Awards, Best Debutant Director & Best Lyrics.

4. One of the 305 films shortlisted for Oscar nominations 2016.

5. Anup Bhandari won the Karnataka State award for Best Direction in a debut feature film.