J Chandrakala, director of Manoranjan starrer Chillum will be replacing Raghavendra Rajkumar with another actor and with a heavy heart, she says. The reason being, Raghavendra Rajkumar who was to make a come back after a hiatus was chosen to play a negative character in Chillum. He decided to opt out of the project after fans’ requests. They apparently didn’t wish to see the star in a negative shade. The director in fact tried her best, but Raghavendra is said to be determined to not go against his fans. Chandrakala now has no option but to look for a replacement.
“I was so excited and felt like an achiever when I brought in Raganna on board for my film. Now I feel very sad that he had to make an exit. Though he has a valid reason, I wish I could explain the characterisation I created to his fans and a few film makers who requested him to not do this role. Hope to work with him in future projects,” she says.
Chandrakala has now approached Jagapathi Babu, with whom she is in discussion with. “The first round of discussion has been done over phone. I will soon be heading to Hyderabad to meet the actor and narrate to him his role.
An official announcement will be made after he signs on the dotted line,” the director tells CE.Chillum has Priyanka Thimmesh in the female lead with Diwakar, Raghav Nath, Sandeep and BharathChandrakala playing vital roles. Naveen Kumar is the film’s cinematographer.