Challenging star Darshan is now gearing up to play the Karnataka's most celebrated freedom fighter 'Sangolli Rayanna' in director Naganna's upcoming Kannada movie. 'Sangolli Rayanna' will have a modern day adaptation, which will be launched on Rayanna's birth anniversary on August 15, 2010.

The iconic character 'Sangolli Rayanna' was the Dr Rajkumar's dream role. Even Arjun Sarja, Srinagar Kitty wanted to essay the role. Finally, Darshan has bagged it. The director has finalised on the two main characters. Jayaprada has been chosen as Rani Chennamma of Kittur, while Sandalwood actor appears as 'Sangolli Rayanna'.

'Sangolli Rayanna' is a dream project of director Naganna and his team has been working on the script for the last four years. Since it is a real story, the team has already conducted seminars in Belgaum as part of the research to work out all the details, says Naganna.

According to the director, a few more months will be dedicated to a further research on the historical character.The cast of the movie will be decided after the completion of the script. "We plan to launch the film on August 15, in time for Rayanna's birth anniversary," says Naganna.