Rudhramadevi Gallery

Gunasekhar says he's been fascinated by the story of queen Rudhramadevi - on which his upcoming eponymous film is based - ever since he heard it as a school boy.

"I read about Rudhramadevi in school and since then her inspiring story has stayed with me. Her valour fascinated me so much that when I became a filmmaker, I decided to make a film on her story at any cost," Gunasekhar told.

Although he hadn't planned to make the film with Anushka, he feels she was destined to do it.

"Even before I could approach her, a lot of my industry friends and well-wishers felt she'd be perfect for the lead character. Had it not been for her continuous support, we wouldn't have completed the film smoothly," he added.