Pooja Hegde Out, Keerthy Suresh In for Nani's Special Role

Pooja Hegde has reportedly stepped away from an upcoming Telugu film project headlined by Natural Star Nani, and sources indicate that Keerthy Suresh is now in talks to step in, marking what industry insiders describe as a “special” casting choice tailored for the actor.

The development comes as a surprise to fans, given the strong on-screen chemistry Pooja Hegde and Nani previously shared. Their most notable collaboration remains the blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, directed by Trivikram Srinivas, which became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of 2020. That film’s success cemented the pair as a beloved romantic duo, and many assumed they would reunite soon. However, behind-the-scenes logistical issues and scheduling conflicts are said to have led to Pooja Hegde’s exit.

Keerthy Suresh, who has worked with Nani in the past on the 2019 comedy-drama Jersey (in which she played the female lead opposite him), is now being considered for the role. The project in question is still under wraps, with no official title, director, or release date announced. But trade whispers suggest it is a high-budget entertainer that requires a performer who can match Nani’s subtle comedic timing and emotional depth. Keerthy Suresh’s casting is being described as “special” not because of any cameo appearance, but because the script allegedly underwent minor tweaks to accommodate her strengths, indicating that the makers are tailoring the narrative around their lead pair once again.

Possible Reasons Behind the Change

While neither Pooja Hegde’s team nor the production house has issued a formal statement, multiple unverified reports point to date clashes with her other commitments. Pooja Hegde has been juggling multiple projects across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, including the much-anticipated SSMB28 (currently shooting) and other yet-to-be-announced Bollywood films. Given that Nani’s project was slated to begin shooting in the second half of 2026, it appears that Pooja Hegde could not adjust her calendar to accommodate the lengthy schedule.

Another factor might be creative differences. Sources close to the production have hinted that the female lead’s role was being designed with a specific intensity - a character that requires emotional vulnerability combined with street-smart wit - and that Keerthy Suresh has proven her ability to deliver such layered performances in films like Mahanati and Jersey.

Nani and Keerthy Suresh: A Proven Pair

Nani and Keerthy Suresh first shared screen space in Jersey, a sports drama that earned Nani wide acclaim for his portrayal of a cricketer. Their on-screen bond was praised for its natural, understated warmth. The film itself became a critical and commercial success, and the duo’s pairing remains a favorite among fans. A reunion, especially under a different director, would generate significant buzz.

What makes this new project “special” is the rumored treatment of the female lead. According to industry grapevine, the script originally had the heroine appearing only in a few sequences, but after Pooja Hegde’s exit, the writers expanded the role specifically for Keerthy Suresh. The character is said to have greater agency in the second half of the story, moving beyond typical love-interest territory into a more pivotal plot driver.

The Context of Pooja Hegde’s Career Trajectory

Pooja Hegde, who debuted in Telugu cinema with Oka Laila Kosam opposite Naga Chaitanya, became a household name after Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. She followed that with successful films like Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, Most Eligible Bachelor, and Beast in Tamil. In recent years, she has diversified her portfolio with Bollywood projects like Radhe Shyam and Cirkus. A break from the Nani project might allow her to focus on other high-profile ventures, though it also means losing an opportunity to recreate the magic of 2020’s biggest Telugu hit.

Pooja Hegde’s exit is being viewed as a mutual decision rather than a fallout. Neither party has commented publicly, indicating that the parting was professional and amicable. The production house is likely to announce the new cast combination officially in the coming days.

What Fans Can Expect

If Keerthy Suresh indeed signs the dotted line, the film will mark her third collaboration with Nani. Given her recent track record with Dasara, Rang De, and Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty, she has proven her ability to carry films across genres. Her casting in a “special” role underscores the changing dynamics in Telugu cinema, where female characters are increasingly given meatier arcs rather than ornamental presence.

No further details about the project - such as director, music composer, or cinematographer - have been revealed. However, with Nani attached as the male lead and Keerthy Suresh potentially replacing Pooja Hegde, the film already has a strong foundation. The announcement is expected before August 2026, with shooting likely to commence in October or November.

As of now, the only confirmed detail is that Pooja Hegde is out and Keerthy Suresh is in - and that the role is being described as “special” for Nani. Fans of both actresses are waiting for official word, but the buzz suggests that Telugu cinema’s favorite pair from Jersey is ready to reunite on screen under a new banner. Whether that will match the commercial highs of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo remains to be seen, but the combination certainly has the pedigree to generate enormous interest.

Source: Filmibeat Telugu