Alia Bhatt’s potential involvement in a major South Indian film, specifically a female-centric project by filmmaker Nag Ashwin, seems to have fallen through. Discussions for the lead role were underway, but over the past 11 months, circumstances have changed. Amidst casting changes for Nag Ashwin’s ‘Kalki 2,’ following Deepika Padukone’s exit, the director has reportedly shifted focus to his female-centric film. Instead of Alia Bhatt, Sai Pallavi is now in talks for the role. It is believed that Alia Bhatt has committed her dates to Maddock Films’ ‘Chamunda’ for March 2026. Sai Pallavi, who was the initial choice for the action drama, might now step into the project. The filmmakers haven’t abandoned the female-led film, which had been on hold since 2025. Sai Pallavi’s schedule is currently tied to Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana,’ with dates expected to be available after the completion of both parts of ‘Ramayana’. If schedules align, she might work on Nag Ashwin’s project before ‘Kalki 2’.
