Rajeev Pillai trains to play a warrior

His impressive stint at the celebrity cricket matches has surely turned tables for this model-turned-actor. Rajeev Pillai now has a packed schedule with back-to-back projects. The latest one in line is that of an ancient warrior in Dr Mahesh Kidangil���s 'Veerakkal Daivangal'.
���I play a prominent role and the film revolves around my character. It���s not a fantasy like any of my other movies, but a pure epic ��� a saga based on the stoned heroes of Venad,��� explains Rajeev.'Veerakkal Daivangal', a short film by the same director, is being rewritten and remade for the big screen.
This being a historical film, Rajeev says, ���I would be required to do Kalaripayattu and even ride horses. Fortunately, I am quite familiar with both these activities. But I still need to undergo a bit of training to help me brush up my skills for the camera.��� Incid-entally, it is director Dr Mahesh, who is a master in Kalari-payattu, who will be training the actor.
While Rajeev, who was known to play the role of the villain earlier, plays the protagonist, Kollywood actor Parthipan has apparently been signed up to play the baddie. Rajeev plans to begin work on 'Veerakkal Daivangal' sometime in September, after he wraps up shoot for Major Ravi���s investigative thriller, 'Karma Yodha'. With Sujith and Sajith���s 'Kaash', Nikhil Menon���s 'My Fan Ramu' and Priyadarshan���s Bollywood film 'Malamaal Weekly', the year sure looks good for Rajeev.