MUMBAI: One of the most anticipated biopics, that of adult film star Shakeela, is currently being shot. The film was announced earlier this year and is helmed by ace South director Indrajit Lankesh. Richa Chadha plays the titular lead.

For the uninitiated, Shakeela was a very successful adult film star. She was a woman who shook the South film business in the late 90s, and many leading mainstream actors considered her a massive threat to the success of their films. This was one of the rare times back in the 90s when a female actor posed a threat to male superstars. Shakeela’s story is a rags-to-riches one. She moved to Kochi to begin her acting career. The film illustrates the beauty of Kerala in its true glory, but unfortunately, a considerable portion of the film, which was to be shot earlier in Kerala, was delayed and eventually canceled owing to the floods. The state was in its worst condition and is still recuperating from the damage, especially in smaller interior towns and villages where the makers intended to shoot the film. Thus, in an ode to the state, also known as God’s own country, the makers are recreating the magic and beauty of Kerala through sets in Bengaluru for crucial parts of the film. The shoot is set to resume soon and will wrap up in the coming month. Various landscapes and backgrounds of Kerala are being remade and recreated at the outskirts of Bengaluru.