Rumours are rife in the Telugu film industry that the in-demand actress Sree Leela has reportedly opted out of Akhil Akkineni‘s upcoming action drama, ‘Lenin.’ While an official confirmation from the makers is still awaited, multiple reports suggest that scheduling conflicts are the primary reason for her alleged departure, leading to a significant casting shake-up for the much-anticipated film.
Initially, Sree Leela was announced as the female lead opposite Akhil Akkineni in ‘Lenin,’ directed by Murali Kishore Abburu. The pairing had generated considerable excitement among fans, eager to see the fresh on-screen chemistry. A video featuring the duo was also released at the time of the film’s announcement, further solidifying her involvement.
However, sources close to the production indicate that Sree Leela’s burgeoning career and packed schedule across multiple film industries may have made it difficult for her to allocate the necessary dates for ‘Lenin.’ The actress has been one of the busiest young stars in South Indian cinema, with a slew of projects in her kitty. After her performance in Mahesh Babu’s ‘Guntur Kaaram’ and a peppy dance number in ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule,’ her demand has skyrocketed. Her upcoming films reportedly include ‘Junior,’ ‘Mass Jathara,’ the period drama ‘Parasakthi,’ and her much-anticipated Bollywood debut opposite Kartik Aaryan.
The supposed exit of Sree Leela from ‘Lenin’ could lead to minor disruptions in the film’s production, especially since filming had already commenced. The makers, Sithara Entertainments and Annapurna Studios, are reportedly on the lookout for a new female lead to fill the void. This development comes at a crucial time for Akhil Akkineni, as ‘Lenin’ is considered an important project for him, following the box office disappointment of ‘Agent.’ The actor is taking a different approach with this gritty action drama, which is said to be based on the sensitive subject of honour killings and set in Rayalaseema. The film’s teaser, released earlier, garnered a mixed but intriguing response for its raw tone and rural setting.
As the industry and fans await an official statement, the focus now shifts to who will step into Sree Leela’s shoes for ‘Lenin.’ The casting change underscores the challenges of managing a busy star’s schedule in a demanding industry, leaving audiences curious about the future of this promising project and the actress’s highly sought-after career.