Coronavirus update: Acharya shooting resumes without Chiranjeevi

The team of the upcoming Telugu film Acharya, which is being directed by Koratala Siva, resumed shooting on Monday without lead actor Chiranjeevi after he tested positive for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and quarantined himself at home.

Chiranjeevi was all set to join the set on Monday. As part of the safety protocol before joining the set, he got himself tested for COVID-19 and was found to be positive. He took to Twitter to reveal the news.

“Took a test for Covid before resuming Acharya shoot as a protocol and unfortunately tested positive. I am currently asymptomatic and quarantining myself at home. Request all those who met me in the last five days to also undergo Covid tests. Will update you on my recovery soon (sic),” Chiranjeevi tweeted.

According to The Times of India newspaper, the makers of Acharya went ahead and resumed shooting on Monday without Chiranjeevi. According to the report, director Siva has decided to shoot all those scenes which do not require Chiranjeevi.

Chiranjeevi is rumoured to be playing dual roles in the film, which marks his maiden collaboration with Koratala Siva. Acharya, according to media reports, 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 was originally supposed to mark actress Trisha’s return to Telugu filmdom after many years. However, she opted out of the project due to creative differences.

In March, Trisha took to Twitter to reveal that she was opting out of the project. She wrote: “Sometimes things turn out to be different from what was initially said and discussed. Due to creative differences, I have chosen not to be part of Chiranjeevi sir’s film. Wishing the team well. To my lovely Telugu audiences — hope to see you soon in an exciting project.”