Minissha, Mallika & megabucks

So what if the industry’s growth is sluggish? That hasn’t stopped filmmakers from investing megabucks in films. And Contract, a recent flick that has gone on the floors, not only claims to be a big-budget project, at a cost of ` 15 crore, but also boasts a starcast comprising B-town starlets and the Action King.
Action King Arjun’s comeback flick
Namma Arjun Sarja has made a name for himself not only in the Kannada film industry, but also in Kollywood and Tollywood.Contract marks his Sandalwood comeback after a decade, having last been seen in Sri Manjunatha. “He wanted to return to the Kannada fraternity, but his Tamil and Hindi projects kept him busy,” says Ramachandra, the film’s producer. “But even though he was away, Arjun ensured that he was actively involved in Kannada films by launching his nephews Chiranjeevi and Dhruv,” he tells us. Of course, being known as the Action King, fans will get to see Arjun flex those muscles in this “different love story”.
Language no bar
Noted Telugu actor JD Chakravarthi — best known for his role in Satya — makes his Sandalwood debut with this film. An apt decision, considering that the film is to be made in Telugu as well. “Chakravarthi is well-known on the southern circuit, besides gaining approval in Bollywood with Satya. Arjun and Satya have worked together earlier, and their chemistry is brilliant. Which is why we thought they’d make a good team in our project, which features a love triangle,” explains Ramachandra. Directed by Hyderabad-based Samir, a co-director from the Ram Gopal Varma camp, Contract will have Bollywood import Minissha Lamba in the lead, with oomph queen Mallika Sherawat shimmying to an item number.
Bollywood calling
Ramachandra admits they originally had Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi gal Anushka Sharma in mind for the lead role. “But when her dates weren’t available, we decided to rope in Minissha. She’s done such high-profile films that we didn’t think twice about casting her. She’s a good performer,” says Ramachandra. The Well Done Abba actress plays Arjun’s wife in the film.