Actor Varun Tej ’s next film, titled Bhari (a Telugu word meaning battleground), is set against a rural backdrop. Directed by Yadhu Vamsee of Committee Kurrollu fame, the project was launched with a puja ceremony on Saturday, where Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan gave the ceremonial clap. An animated concept glimpse introduced Varun as Pandu, a volleyball player. “I used to play volleyball growing up. While volleyball is integral to the film, it is not a conventional sports drama . If you look at films like 83, Jersey, and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, they are primarily sports dramas. In our film, volleyball is an element, but at its core, it’s a village story.”

Talking about Varun Tej’s preparation, he added, “Varun has already begun training in volleyball for the film.”