Popular Mollywood filmmaker Vinayan has approached Anushka Shetty to play the lead role in his upcoming horror thriller, which is to be made using 3D technology.

The movie titled "Dracula 2012" will be based on a novel penned by Bram Stoker. Vinay, who was greatly impressed by Anushka's acting skills after he watched "Arundhati", wants the actress to take up the project.

'He met Anushka recently and narrated her the script. The actress was thrilled about being part of the project, since it offered her great scope to perform. But she also has some problems regarding prior assignments,' say sources.

They add: 'Anushka is at present busy in five films in Kollywood and a couple of projects in Tollywood. So she finds it difficult to allot dates for Vinayan film. However, she is keen to adjust dates and working with the popular Mollywood director.'