Nivetha Thomas has been roped in to play the female lead in Akhil Akkineni's new movie to be directed by Prashanth Varma. The 23-year-old actor, who is currently working on Indraganti Mohan Krishna's V, has been signed by Matinee Entertainments for the yet-to-be-titled film, which is expected to go on floors later this year. 

Set against a village backdrop, the film is said to be a crime thriller that presents Nivetha and Akhil in a new avatar.

Meanwhile, Akhil will start shooting for his upcoming romcom in September. Produced jointly by Bunny Vasu and Allu Aravind under GA2 Pictures banner, this film is being directed by Bommarillu Bhaskar. 

On the other hand, Nivetha, who is enjoying the success of Brochevarevarura, has recently wrapped up shooting for the Rajinikanth-starrer Darbar, and also has another thriller, Swasa, in the pipeline.