It is not new for Mahesh Babu to work with star directors. He was roped in by no less a master craftsman like K Raghavendra Rao as a debutante. Later, he went on to work with talented directors like Krishna Vamsi, Puri Jagannadh, Gunasekhar, SJ Suryah and Sreenu Vaitla. No one, including Trivikram, who had no prior experience as director, has failed him.

Still, one of his forthcoming films with Sukumar as the director, to be launched in 2012, raises interest. It is because, unlike the aforementioned directors, Sukumar is belongs to a different league. (Sekhar Kammula is the other director of a different stature with whom Mahesh Babu was on the verge of working till recently).

Why so? It is because Sukumar is known for making high brow films, where larger-than-life heroism, heavy dose action, maximalist dialogues go on a holiday. His style is intelligent. Arya, Jagadam, Arya2 and 100% Love - each film had the hero possessing a personality which reveals itself towards the end. The story solidly bases itself on the psychology of the protagonist, who undergoes pain in the process.

Mahesh Babu, a star hero, has not worked in such roles. He plays muscular roles, bashing up the thugs in a jiffy. Mahesh's style lies in bringing a grace and a special charm to his characters.

The combination of Sukumar and Mahesh will be viewed with great interests. If it can sparkle, it will be great.