Times have changed. But changed not is the craze for romance fictions and travelogues. Blending the both on celluloid is Manikandan, a former associate of late Cinematographer-filmmaker Jeeva.

His forthcoming venture 'Chikku Bhukku', starring Arya and Shriya Saran in lead roles, is a romantic entertainer shot on a train. The film is produced by Media One Global Entertainment Limited in association with Majestic Multimedia Limited.

Interestingly, Manikandan and Media One share a good rapport even before the commencement of this venture. For it was Manikandan who completed 'Dhaam Dhoom' after its director Jeeva's sudden demise.

According to a press release, the duo has now aimed to reach even higher with 'Chikku Bhukku'. The release says: "The film stars Arya, who did a stunning performance in `Naan Kadavul'. Shriya Saran has done a never before performance in this film. Debutante Preetika has a very important role and she is the younger sister of Bollywood star Amrita Rao."

"Arya with his earlier performance in 'Varudu' has created a brand for himself with the Telugu audience, while Shriya is a leading actress in Tollywood. Considering the kind of response that these lead actors hold, the film will simultaneously release in Tamil and Telugu," it adds.

Most of the technicians who had worked with Jeeva are part of the 'Chikku Bhukku' team. Camera was handled by R B Gurudhev, dialogues were written by S Ramakrishnan, and lyrics were done by Valee, Pa Vijay and music by Colonial Cousins Hari and Lesle, while Rekha Chinni Prakash and Dinesh did the choreography. The costumes were handled by V Sai and Deepali Noor.

Says Manikandan, "The film is a romantic travelogue, which starts in London and ends in Karaikudi. The shooting took place in and around trendy areas of London, scenic locales of Mysore, Coonoor and traditional houses of Karaikudi.

The diversity between spectacular locations in London, rain forests near exotic western ghats in Karnataka and monumental Karaikudi would give a new look and grandeur to `Chikku Bhukku'."

He adds: "I learnt a lot of things from my mentor Jeeva. `Think big and be confident about whatever you take up,' he would say. I am sure `Chikku Bhukku' will work, thanks to its script and lead players."

On the movie's storyline, he says, "It is a romantic travelogue. As the title suggests, a train will be seen in the background in most parts of the movie."

On the whole, 'Chikku Bhukku', a nostalgic clang of a train, is expected to give its viewers, a new romantic journey, which would be enjoyed by one and all.