Tharun Bhascker OPENS up on Sai Sushanth Reddy skipping ‘ENE Repeat’; Director shares feeling anger and sadness

Director Tharun Bhascker and Sai Sushanth Reddy worked together in the 2018 film, ‘Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi’ where the actor played the character Karthik. Recently, the actor spoke about Sai Sushanth Reddy not acting in the sequel to the film. He shared how the filmmakers felt angry and sad after the actor refused to be a part of it.As per a report by Indian Today, director Tharun Bhascker explained the reason behind Sushanth’s decision. He shared that Sai Sushanth Reddy has moved towards is father’s business and wants to focus fully on it. “The reason is that he moved on towards his father's business. He told me he doesn't want one foot here and one there. And I respect that. But it came with a lot of anger and disappointment,” he said. The director also shared that he just broke and got angry; however, he understands that he each individual has their own journey and calls to take. “I gave him the opportunity, and he respectfully rejected it,” he added.For the unversedm the poster of the sequel, which is titled ‘ENE Repeat’ was released in June 2025. It also included Sushanth's name, but he has backed out of the project. Actor Srikanth Maganti now plays the role of Karthik. Tharun made it clear that the story matters most to him. He said, “I had a story to tell, and I am not going to stop.” He spoke with confidence about the character and said, “For me, Sushi might change, but Karthik is the same.” He also shared his belief in cinema and said viewers will only see the character. “And, when I'm seeing the footage right now, I see Karthik. And that's the magic of cinema. If I'm telling you that you'll only see Karthik, I think I'll succeed in doing that. I won't let you guys down,” he added.Released in 2018, ‘Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi’ is a comedy drama that revolves around friends and the life decisions they make.