Ever since producer Dil Raju and Aswini Dutt announced their new film featuring Mahesh Babu in the lead, rumours made rounds that several actors, including Rakul Preet and Anu Emmanuel, were in the race to play the female lead. Now we hear from a source close to the producer, that Pooja Hegde will be the one sharing screen space with the superstar in his 25^th film.

Interestingly, if true, this will be her third project in Dil Raju’s production after Duvvada Jagannadham aka DJ and the yet-to-be-launched Srinivasa Kalyanam co-starring Nithiin.

“Three actors competed for the female lead’s role. And eventually, it came down to a toss between Rakul Preet and Pooja Hegde. The makers have chosen the DJ girl after a vote was taken among Dil Raju’s team. Although it’s almost confirmed, they are yet to make a statement about her presence in the film,” informs a source.

Directed by Vamshi Paidipally, the film tentatively titled #Mahesh25 will be shot extensively in the US and will go on floors early next year. Devi Sri Prasad is scoring the music.