Mega Prince Varun Tej stole the hearts of all with his performances in Mukunda, Kanche and went on to score hits like Fidaa, Tholi Prema and F2- Fun & Frustration. Currently, he is starring in Valmiki, a remake of Kollywood hit Jigarthanda under the direction of Harish Shankar. Varun Tej is playing the role of not the hero but villain played by Bobby Simha in the original. Siddharth played the role of the hero in the original.
Harish Shankar in the Telugu version reduced the scope for the lead role and started elevating Varun Tej's role. He is planning to cast a young actor in the lead role. But now it is coming out that none of the young heroes are coming forward to star in the role as they felt that Varun Tej's role is completely dominating and they will not get any recognition even if they do the role.
Harish Shankar, who did not get any green signal from Tollywood young heroes, now cast Kollywood hero Atharva Murali. Since Atharva Murali is unknown to Telugu movie lovers, Harish Shankar can elevate Varun Tej's role as much as he likes.