Overview
- Multiple outlets citing Mid-Day report that Alia Bhatt stepped away due to a date clash after allocating bulk dates to Maddock Films’ Chamunda from March 2026.
- Industry sources say Nag Ashwin has reopened conversations with Sai Pallavi, who was often viewed as his original preference for the role.
- Times Now reports the woman-led project was tentatively eyed to begin in late 2025 before the director turns back to the Kalki 2898 AD sequel.
- Sai Pallavi’s availability hinges on completing Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part Ramayana, with the second installment expected to wrap by mid-2026.
- No official confirmation has come from Ashwin, Bhatt, Pallavi or the producers, and both casting and scheduling remain fluid.