Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Tollywood Superstars and the hit films they rejected

TNN | Last updated on - Sep 14, 2015, 16:28 IST
Comments
Share
1/5

Tollywood Superstars and the hit films they rejected

Some movies become classic hits not only because of the storyline but also because of the actors who impress the audiences with their excellent acting. But sometimes it turns out that the actor who won the accolades for his performance was not the first choice of the director. Few films are initially approached to some other actors and on rejection the script lands in hand of the other actor. Here is a list of some Tollywood superstars and the films that they rejected...

Pawan Kalyan

Ravi Teja's role in 2002 superhit film Idiot was first offered to Pawan Kalyan. The film which was directed by Puri Jagannadh proved a boon for Ravi Teja. The reason due to which Pawan Kalyan rejected the film is only known to him, but he definitely lost a hit film from his kitty. The film was such a big hit that it was remade in Tamil and Bengali as Dum and Priya Amar Priya respectively.
2/5

Tollywood Superstars and the hit films they rejected

Suriya

Hot and dashing Suriya is the superstar of South Indian film industry. The actor also rejected few films, one of which was the 2012 Mahesh Babu starrer Businessman. The superhit film is directed by Puri Jagannadh and also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Prakash Raj and Sayaji Shinde in vital roles. Ram Gopal Verma first signed Surya as a lead in the film. Reportedly, the film's production was expected to begin in October 2010. But Suriya was completing his part in his film 7aum Arivu which was scheduled for release in the summer of 2011. Since Puri Jagannadh wanted to begin in September 2010, Mahesh Babu bagged the lead role in the film. The film became commercially successful and was one of the highest grossing Telugu films of 2012.
3/5

Tollywood Superstars and the hit films they rejected

Mahesh Babu

Ye Maaya Chesave, a 2010 film starring Naga Chaintanya and Samantha in the lead roles and directed by Gautham Menon, was a super-hit romantic Telugu film. The film and the actors were appreciated for their performances and also won several awards for the same. But Naga Chaitanya was not the first choice for the film. Mahesh Babu was Gautham Menon's first choice for the lead role in the film. According to cinedust.in, Mahesh Babu refused to work in the film because he didn't find the script quite impressive and he didn't consider himself perfect for the role.
4/5

Tollywood Superstars and the hit films they rejected

Junior NTR

The 2004 super-hit film Arya starring Allu Arjun and Anu Mehta in lead roles was first offered to Telugu star Junior NTR. According to iluvcinema.in, Junior NTR rejected this film due to unavailability of dates. Junior NTR's rejection proved beneficial to Allu Arjun and also gave Allu Arjun a new identity as a performer. Reportedly, Arya is considered a class apart and one of the most entertaining films of Tollywood.
5/5

Tollywood Superstars and the hit films they rejected

Ram Charan

The 2013 hit romantic film Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu directed by Gautham Menon was first offered to Ram Charan. Nani and Samantha were appreciated for their performances and the film turned out to be a hit. Reportedly, Ram was replaced in the film by Nani, as the actor walked out from the project due to some unknown disputes.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Hrithik Roshan set to reunite with Rajinikanth in 'Jailer 2'
  • Meet Isha Rikhi making headlines for wedding pics with Badshah
  • Riddhima shuts down notion that Rishi Kapoor didn't want her to join movies
  • James Handy’s girlfriend shares his last moment before his demise
  • When late Rishi Kapoor recalled meeting Dawood Ibrahim twice in Dubai
  • ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ to release early for Indian fans
  • Akshay Kumar shares his thoughts on retirement
  • Bharathiraja cremated with full state honours in Theni
  • Edida Raja says Bharathiraja changed 'Seethakoka Chiluka' climax
Photostories
  • From MMS scam to sponsors seeking sexual favours: Ranjini Haridas opens up about ill experiences in her career
  • Success quote of the day by Walt Disney: "All our dreams can come true, if..."
  • 5 countries where WhatsApp is banned
  • Mango leaves aren’t just waste: 6 smart, sustainable and surprisingly useful ways to reuse them around the house instead of throwing them away
  • Sugarcane juice is hydrating and has four essential minerals, but there's a warning you need to read
  • Lakshadweep ends nearly 47-year old liquor ban in tourism push; what travellers need to know
  • The ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal's best-kept secret
  • From Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive
  • 8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living
Explore more Stories
  • 12
    All about ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ live-action cast: From Cate Blanchett to Mason Thames
  • 5
    All about Knox and Vivienne: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s youngest 17-year-old twins
  • 5
    Times 'Peddi' star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: 'I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin'
  • 5
    From 'Om Shanti Om', 'Dear Zindagi' to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on life
  • 7
    Rags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Telugu
  • /
  • Movies
  • /
  • Tollywood Superstars and the hit films they rejected
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 11, 2026, 06.37PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service