It is time for Gandhigiri inTelugu too as the sequel to the rollicking  laughathon Shankar Dada MBBSwith the irresistible Chiranjeevi at the helm is all ready to hit thescreens. Shankar Dada showcased brilliantly the comedy sense and anuanced sensitivity of Chiranjeevi as a likable don ShankarDada.

Along with his sidekick ATM, played with agreeable restraint bySrikanth, the duo won over the masses with their impish and innocentworld view.

The duo will be back in action, but this time giving themcompany (in a larger sense) would be the Father of the Nation. WithGandhiji for company, the duo set out on a voyage of discovery thatleads them to their inner sanctum - that is their heart. This isGandhigiri at its best. The Hidi original acquired a cult status, andthere is no doubt that the Telugu remake too is well on itsway.

Getting across Gandhigir in his inimitable way will beChiranjeevi. In a sense, this role is tailor made for him as it combinesmass appeal and also holds scope for his larger goal of tellingsomething meaningful for the public.

Directed by Prabhu Deva, who iscoming fresh after the success of the Tamil remake of Pokkiri, ShankarDada Zindabad promises to the cap the summer releases with fun as wellas fervour.

Karishma Kotak, who caught the nation's eye as theKingfisher girl, plays the heroine. She plays the character that VidyaBalan did in the Hindi original. Sadha plays the cute and cuddly rolethat Dia Mirza did. Sayaji Shinde does the role that Boman Irani playedin the original and Raja handles the role that Jimmy Shergill did in theoriginal.

 Dilip Prabhavalkar dons the role of Mahatma Gandhi. Thequiet attraction of the movie is a dance sequence canned on Chiru'sbrother Pawan Kalyan.

Prabhu Deva says it was pleasure to work withsuch a wonderful team. Chiru garu is a legend in the industry anddirecting was a privilege, he points out.

Srikanth, who is a fan ofChiru, says that they had great fun acting together. `It was such alearning experience'.

Karishma, the svelte lass, is thrilled that herfirst exposure itself is with a big legend of the industry. Sadha ishappy that her role has shaped up so well that it would be a landmark inher career.

Devi Sri Prasad, who tuned in some interesting melodiesfor Shankar Dada MBBS, has attempted something novel and is said to havepulled it off.

Produced under the Gemini Film Circuit banner byRavishankar and Gemini Kiran, the film has created huge expectations.The movie has all the talk of being a big blockbuster.

The film isexpected for a release on July 24.

Cast: Chiranjeevi, Karishma Kothak Srikanth, Sadha, Sayaji Shinde, Raja, PawanKalyan (SA)

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Producer: Ravishankar andGemini Kiran

Direction: Prabhu Deva