The title Thaayiya Madilu (in the protection of the mother) may well give the impression of a tearjerker, but producer-director S Narayan calls his upcoming movie a family entertainer. Narayan's last two films, Sevanthi Sevanthi and Sirivantha, were huge hits.

The film features Shivaraj Kumar and Rakshitha, working together for the first time. Telugu actress Jayasudha also stars, alongside talented artists like Doddanna, Avinash and Mukyamanthri Chandru.

 "I chose the title because it sounds good. But it isn't a sentimental film," says Narayan, speaking about the film for the first time. "I've packaged the film with all commercial elements. And my films are always clean entertainers aimed at a family audience."

Earlier, Shivaraj Kumar worked with Narayan in the comedy Galaate Aliyandiru, a huge hit. The two are collaborating after a long gap. "The story has a few twists and turns, making the narration very interesting," Kumar says. "And Narayan is a specialist in narrating a film interspersed with songs and touching sequences. All these go down well with the audience."

"I have already worked with all top heroes of the industry and was waiting for a chance to work with Shivu sir," Rakshitha gushes. "I have a lovely, bubbly character in the film and get the opportunity to do a lot of comedy sequences."

Thaayiya Madilu is scheduled to release in January 2007.

Text: RG Vijayasarathy