Duniya Vijay-starrer Johnny Johnny Yes Papa, which went on floors on October 16, saw last minute changes in the artiste playing the female lead. Initially, when the film was taking off, Preetham had planned to bring Ramya back on silver screen in the sequel too. But the actress is now fully focussed on her career in politics, and therefore had to turn down the offer.
Then the team approached Rachita Ram to play Padmavati of Johnny Mera Nam and all seemed well, but the actress had to refuse the offer because dates of other projects clashed with this one. The team was then in discussions with Shraddha Srinath, but she too could not accomodate the required dates.Now, the team has gone back to Rachita.
Most of the film will be shot in a huge set created by Mohan B Kere at Nelamangala and heroine had to be at the location for a long stretch.
“Dates were not available with the other heroines and finally Rachita Ram agreed to come on board,” says Preetham, who has started shooting a song sequence and it set to finish a fight. “Vijay has been working out for the past three months to get signature six-pack ab, and this was specifically for the fight and song. Therefore, we decided to start with these two sequences and then do the talkie portions,” he says.
Preetham is targeting Gen X with the sequel, made under Duniya Talkies, which is owned by the actor. Vijay in Johnny Mera Nam was running a social service centre and, in the sequel, he is running Johnny.com. Rangayana Raghu and Sadhu Kokila have pivotal roles in the movie. Johnny Johnny has music by V Harikrishna.