J Chandrakala, director of Manoranjan-starrer Chillum, says she will be replacing Raghavendra Rajkumar with another actor and with a heavy heart. The reason being, Raghavendra Rajkumar, who was to make a comeback after a hiatus, was chosen to play a negative character in Chillum, but the actor decided to opt out of the project after fans’ requests. They apparently didn’t wish to see the star in a negative shade. The director says she tried her best to keep him on, but Raghavendra was determined not to go against his fans. Chandrakala now has no option but to look for a replacement.

“I was so excited and felt like an achiever when I brought Raganna on board for my film. Now I feel very sad that he has to make an exit. Though he has a valid reason, I wish I could explain the characterisation I created to his fans and the few filmmakers who requested him not to do this role. I hope to work with him on future projects,” she says.

Chandrakala has now approached Jagapathi Babu, whom she is currently in discussion with. “The first round of discussions were done over phone. I will soon be heading to Hyderabad to meet the actor and narrate to him. An official announcement will be made after he signs on the dotted line,” the director tells CE.

Chillum has Priyanka Thimmesh playing the female lead, and stars Diwakar, Raghav Nath, Sandeep and Bharath Chandrakala in vital roles. Naveen Kumar is the film’s cinematographer.