`Baahubali` India`s answer to `The Lord of the Rings`?

Chennai: Actor Adivi Sesh, who is set to start shooting for S.S. Rajamouli`s Telugu period-drama `Baahubali` Sep 29 onwards, says the film will be India`s answer to `The Lord of the Rings` franchise.

"I`m really looking forward to start shooting for the film. It`s being made on such a grand scale that it will undoubtedly be India`s answer to `The Lord of the Rings` franchise. I`ll start shooting from Sep 29 and I have asked to keep aside 60 days from my calendar," Sesh said. Sesh, who has featured in Telugu films such as `Karma` and `Panja`, will be featured in an important role in the film. He has been asked to gain weight for his role. "I have been asked to gain some weight and also learn sword fighting, horseriding and some basic action skills before I join the crew. It`s going to be a great experience," he added. "Baahubali" also features Rana Daggubati, Prabhas Varma and Anusha Shetty in important roles. The film is simultaneously being made in Tamil, and will also be dubbed in Telugu. Meanwhile, Sesh-directed Telugu romantic-comedy `Kiss` (Keep it Simple Stupid) is slated to release Friday. "It`s a story about two strangers from San Francisco coming together. The entire story transpires in 24 hours and that`s something the audience can look forward. The film`s major portion shot in the US will serve as its USP," he said. Sesh says direction is stressful. "It`s (direction) a stressful job, but I somehow managed do it without much hassles. I`m keen on acting and I don`t think I will direct again. I think I found direction easier because of the support of my brother as producer and also scriptwriter," said Sesh. `Kiss`, which also features debutante Priya Banerjee, is produced by Sai Kiran. IANS