In cricket Steve Waugh has his trademark red handkerchief peeping out of his pant pocket. In politics V P Singh is always spotted in a grotesque fur cap. In writing, Khushwant Singh never tires penning about sex and scotch.

In films, director K Vishwanath mostly prefers musical subjects. It is almost intertwined into his movies. Be it Shankarabaranam or Sagara Sangamam or Swathi Muthayam, music has an important role to play.

As he himself has said often music is one of his muses.

And so his under-production Swaraabhishekam leaves no in doubt about its quintessence.

Starring Shrikanth and Laya in the lead, the film has musical background. Vishwanath, who seldom acts in his own venture, makes a break from the past and has cast himself in one of the important roles in the film. In fact, the story revolves on his family. He is the patriarch of family steeped in music. Swaraabhishekam will also make a statement of sorts on that major Indian tradition and institution ---- the joint family system.

For Shrikanth the movie is a change of tack. Long seen in lover boy and urban youth roles, Swaraabhishekam will project him in a soft-focus attractive light. Laya, who is just about managing to survive in these competitive times, is said to have put in an authoritative performance.

Shivaji, who is reveling in small hero roles, has also a pivotal character. The surprise packet of the movie could be the talented Urvasi who is seen rarely in Telugu.

But in a major switch, Vishwanath has cast his faith on Vidyasagar for the music rather than his usual faithful Ilayaraja. Of course, Vidyasagar is no slouch as a musician.

But this genre of classical Carnatic-based movie will be something of a novelty for him. Vidyasagar has tuned in seven songs for the film, and the news is that he has not let down the faith reposed on him.

The films shooting is fast progressing and will hit the theatres next month or early September.