Rajinikanth starts shooting in Varanasi

Varanasi, gradually becoming a hot spot for the shooting of films from down South, is now playing host to superstar Rajinikanth, who arrived for the Varanasi leg of the shoot of his film '

Petta

', on Friday.
Rumours, however, were abuzz of Thalaiva being in town a day prior to when he actually reached the city. Clad in his usual white kurta, he was escorted by security personnel while coming out of the airport.
According to Rajendra Ghimire, line producer, "We will be shooting for nearly a month on the outskirts of Banaras, Chunar and Mirzapur. Apart from Rajini sir, scenes involving actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vijay Sethupathi will be also be canned during the shoot. We have arranged for adequate personal security to avoid any incident of mobbing."
The film is directed by Karthik Subbaraj and also stars Simran Bagga, Trisha Krishnan, among others. Several local artists will also be part the part of this project, audition for which had taken place a few months back.
Apart from 'Petta', the second leg of shooting of another Tamil film, 'Gypsy', directed by celebrated director Raju Murugan, is all set to commence from Sunday. The film, a travel love story, has actor Jiiva and Natasha Singh in the main lead. A part of the film was earlier shot in the city in July. During their fortnight schedule, the lanes and some havelis of the city were captured.
Last year superstar Mohanlal starrer Malayalam film 'Odiyan' was also canned in different parts of the city.