Megastar Chiranjeevi’s period drama Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is one of the awaited Telugu projects of 2018. The film, being produced by Ram Charan, will retell the epic story of Kurnool-based freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy. The film went on the floors earlier this year and the makers successfully completed the first schedule. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Nayanthara, who plays a pivotal role, has walked out of the project for reasons unknown. However, the makers have denied the baseless reports.

Being directed by Surender Reddy, the film’s ensemble cast includes megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep, Vijay Sethupathi and Jagapathi Babu among others. To play the titular role, Chiranjeevi is believed to have gone on a special diet to shed some kilos and look the part. “He went on a crash diet under the supervision of a Bombay-based trainer who was flown down and worked closely with Chiranjeevi sir for over a month.

There’s been tremendous buzz for the project ever since it was announced. However, the recent exit of AR Rahman caused the team a major setback. The double Oscar-winning composer opted out of the project, citing scheduling issues and the makers are yet to find a replacement. The industry grapevine is that composer SS Thaman, who had worked on the film’s motion poster, might be signed on to work on this prestigious project.