Sandeep Reddy Vanga made a remarkable entry into the world of cinema with his directorial debut, Arjun Reddy, in 2017. The Telugu film, starring Vijay Deverakonda and Shalini Pandey, became a massive hit, cementing its place as a cult classic. However, not many know that the original choice for the female lead was none other than Sai Pallavi. This revelation came straight from the director himself during the pre-release event of Thandel, Sai Pallavi and Naga Chaitanya’s upcoming film, on Sunday.
A video from the event has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), capturing Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s candid admission about his initial plans for Arjun Reddy. Recounting his experience, he spoke about approaching a coordinator from Kerala, hoping to cast Sai Pallavi in the role. However, he later discovered that the person wasn’t actually a coordinator. Vanga shared how their conversation unfolded—he explained the story as one about a man devastated by love, emphasizing its deep romantic elements. But the coordinator quickly dismissed the idea, questioning the film’s romantic appeal and remarking that Sai Pallavi wouldn’t even wear sleeveless outfits, let alone fit into such a bold narrative. As the audience listened intently, Sai Pallavi was seen smiling at the anecdote.
Reflecting on the incident, Vanga pointed out how actors evolve with time, adapting to the opportunities that come their way. But in Sai Pallavi’s case, he admired her consistency and unwavering principles. “It’s really great, actually,” he remarked, acknowledging her steadfast nature in an industry known for constant change.
Here is the video:
— Absolute KCPD (@AbsoluteKCPD) February 2, 2025
Arjun Reddy was met with widespread acclaim, though it also sparked debates over its portrayal of toxic masculinity. Despite the criticism, it was a commercial triumph, inspiring a Hindi adaptation in 2019—Kabir Singh. Directed by Vanga once again, the Bollywood remake featured Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani in lead roles and turned out to be another blockbuster.
