Versatile actor Prakash Raj returns to Kannada films after a long gap with "Dhool" for which he has reportedly been paid Rs.40 lakh. He is also set to direct his first movie in the same language.

A remake of Tamil film "Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambham", which had Dhanush and Shriya Saran in lead roles, "Dhool" stars Yogi and Aindrita Ray in lead roles. Prakash Raj will be seen as Aindrita's rich brother in it.

The actor will also feature in Crazy Star Ravichandran's "Manjina Hani" in a negative role. He has already finished seven days shooting for the film and is busy with another schedule that started Sep 5.

"When I started writing the role for the new version of 'Manjina Hani', I only had Prakash Raj in my mind. I could not think of any other actor to do that role, " said Ravichandran who had to wait for Prakash Raj for nearly a month before starting the second schedule of the film.

Prakash Raj, who is producing the Kannada remake of his much acclaimed Tamil movie "Abhiyum Naanum", will wield the megaphone for the first time for it. The Tamil version was produced by Prakash Raj and Radha Mohan had directed it.