A bunch of films starring Nagarjuna Akkineni in the last few years — from Soggade Chinni Nayana to Devadas and even Oopiri — have highlighted his romantic image. The actor’s new film, Manmadhudu 2, pushes the boundaries some more.

The 2002 film rom-com Manmadhudu starring Nagarjuna and Sonali Bendre still has legions of film viewers revisiting it for its breezy romance and wit. Manmadhudu 2 leverages on that film’s name and is being helmed by actor-turned-director Rahul Ravindran, who made an assured directorial debut with Chi La Sow, in 2018.

Manmadhudu 2 stars Rakul Preet Singh as the female lead, with cameos by Samantha and Keerthy Suresh. Going by the film’s teaser unveiled on Thursday, Manmadhudu 2 promises to tread in a fun zone. Nagarjuna plays an aged bachelor who declares “I don’t fall in love, I only make love”. And, he wants to get hitched. The decision is met with disbelief (by veteran actress Lakshmi, Jhansi and Vennela Kishore) and remarks that there’s a time and place for everything and perhaps he’s a bit too late. The film is scheduled to release on August 9.