When Richest Actor Rejected Mahesh’s Offer

Trivikram Srinivas and Mahesh Babu attracted with a romantic thriller Athadu which completed 15 years. Though Trivikram often faces criticism of lifting his film stories from novels and Hollywood entertainers, he has the knack of scoring hits.

Even now few of Athadu’s secrets stun all. Trivikram claimed that he penned Athadu story keeping Pawan Kalyan in mind and narrated the same to him. However Pawan Kalyan slept off during the narration. Later Trivikram approached Mahesh Babu and though he liked the story and gave green signal, he said it would get delayed as he was busy with SJ Surya’s film Nani. Trivikram however waited for three years for Mahesh Babu.

In the film, Trisha played the role of the heroine while Sonu Sood played the role of an antagonist. Trivikram planned to cast yesteryear actor Sobhan Babu in the role of Mahesh’s grandfather. However, Sobhan Babu already retired from films. Though producer Murali Mohan sent a check, he sent that back. Sobhan Babu did not show interest in the role as he was busy with real estate business. It is known that, Sobhan Babu was the richest actor in south.

Later the makers cast Nassar in the role and made SP Balasubramaniam do the voice over. This turned out to be the highlight in the film. Though the film got a mixed talk, collections increased steadily and even won the appreciation of the critics. Pawan Kalyan later met Trivikram and Mahesh Babu and congratulated them for the success.