Salman Khan not part of Chiranjeevi's Acharya, say sources 

Actor Salman Khan, who was last seen on screen in Dabangg 3, will not be playing a cameo in Chiranjeevi’s upcoming Telugu film Acharya, as per a source from the film’s unit.

Last week, reports emerged that Khan had been approached with an offer to play a key role in the movie, which is being directed by Koratala Siva.

“We are not sure who started these rumours. These are absolutely baseless. We didn’t even approach Salman Khan with a role. We will soon make an announcement regarding the official cast and crew,” a source said. 

In Acharya, Chiranjeevi is rumoured to be playing dual roles. The makers are eyeing Sankranti 2021 release if they return to shooting in two months to complete remainder of the film. 

The movie will be about a middle-aged Naxalite-turned-social reformer who launches a fight against the Endowments Department over misappropriation and embezzlement of temple funds and donations. 

The film will have cinematography by Tirru while Sreekar Prasad will take care of editing. Suresh Selvarajan will handle the production design. 

Trisha was signed as the leading lady but she opted out due to creative differences. Kajal Aggarwal was bought in as her replacement. However, a recent report in the daily Times of India said Kajal too has walked out of the project to make herself available for one of her upcoming Tamil projects.

Acharya will either feature Ram Charan or Mahesh Babu in a crucial extended appearance. Since Ram Charan is busy shooting for SS Rajamouli, the makers are likely to go with Mahesh Babu. But an official announcement is yet to be made.

Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi will also star in the Telugu remake of Malayalam blockbuster Lucifer soon. Sujeeth of Saaho (2019) fame has been roped in to direct the project which will take off later this year.