'Shaakuntalam', starring Samantha Akkineni in the titular role, is written and directed by Guansekhar, whose daughter Nilima is producing the movie. The pan-India film, which went on the floors today, is presented by Dil Raju.

On Monday, the muhurtham shot was given the first clap by Allu Aravind. Dil Raju switched the camera on.

Speaking on the occasion, Gunasekhar said, DRP and Guna Team Works is producing the movie. It feels great to direct a project backed by someone like Dil Raju garu. The production values are going to be great. My elder daughter, Nilima Guna, is bankrolling the project. She is debuting as a producer. There were a lot of speculations about who will play the titular role. We received a number of suggestions but most of them unanimously pointed at Samantha Akkineni. She chooses stories selectively.

Gunasekhar said that Dil Raju has asked him to spend as much as he wants to. Dev Mohan is going to play Dushantha in the movie.

Dil Raju said, When Samantha's manager told me about the project, I felt that Gunasekhar needs the backing of some producer. When the manager asked me if I would be ready to back the project, I listened to the story. When I watched 'Okkadu' at Sathyam Theatre in 2003, I wanted to produce a film of that kind. 'Shaakuntalam' is the answer. I have imagined Samantha in the titular role and she fits the bill. This film will hit the screens in 2022.

Nilima Guna said, This is my first film as a producer. I hope I will get everyone's support.

Hero Dev Mohan said, I am happy to have been introduced to the Telugu film industry through 'Shaakuntalam'. It feels great to team up with Samantha and Gunasekhar.

Samantha said, I have played all kinds of roles. But doing a period film and a princess was my unfulfilled wish. When I am free, I watch a lot of Disney movies. I thank the director for offering me a role of this kind.

Cinematography is by Sekhar V Joseph. Music is by Mani Sharma. Art Direction is by Ashok Kumar. Editing is by Prawin Pudi. Costumes are by Neetha Lulla. Dialogues are by Sai Madhav Burra. Lyrics are by Chaitanya Prasad and Shreemani. Choreography is by Raju Sundaram. VFX is by Alagar Sami.