Updated
Rakul Preet Singh has replaced Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra in AR Murugadoss’ bilingual film, starring Telugu actor Mahesh Babu and provisionally titled Mahesh 23. Although no official statement has been issued, sources close to the actress have confirmed the news. Mahesh 23 will be made in Tamil and Telugu, and begins shooting in Mumbai next month.
There had been uncertainty about the lead actress for a while, with unconfirmed rumours suggesting that either Shruti Haasan or Keerty Suresh would be cast. Had the project worked out with Parineeti Chopra, this would have been her debut film in South Indian cinema. While there have been rumours that the change happened because Parineeti’s salary was too high, sources told Silverscreen.in that Rakul’s comfort with the language was the primary reason. The Sarrainodu star has experience in the Telugu film industry and is able to easily converse in the language.
Mahesh 23, is produced by Tagore Madhu (Ghajini), and will have music by Harris Jayaraj.
Rakul Preet Singh, who debuted in Telugu and Tamil cinema in 2012 with Keralam and Thadaiyara Thaakka respectively, is currently shooting with Ram Charan for the Telugu film Dhruva, a remake of Thani Oruvan.
Meanwhile, Parineeti Chopra recently announced that her next film would be Takadum, directed by Homi Adajania. She will be acting opposite Sushant Singh Rajput.
So excited about this one!!! My next film TAKADUM with the amazinggg @homiadajania @itsSSR @Anaita_Adajania
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) June 30, 2016
Her film Dishoom, which also stars John Abraham and Varun Dhawan, is slated for an end-July release.
