Actor Jagapathi Babu, who was previously roped in to play a crucial role in Mahesh Babu's new film, Sarileru Neekevvaru, is not part of the project anymore. He looks to have been replaced by Prakash Raj at the eleventh hour by protagonist-producer Mahesh Babu and co-producer Dil Raju, according to reports.

A source close to the actor tells us, "Jagapathi Babu has rejected two films (an untitled Sudeep-starrer and a Tamil film) and blocked his dates for Sarileru Neekevvaru. He was expected to commence the shoot in a couple of days. However, he has been replaced by Prakash Raj and no convincing reason has been given. Had Mahesh or Dil Raju told him about this, he would have graciously parted ways with them. He is completely disheartened by this development and upset over his treatment.”

Directed by Anil Ravipudi, Sarileru Neekevvaru is currently being shot in Kashmir. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead and other actors like Vijayashanti and Rajendra Prasad in supporting roles. Devi Sri Prasad is scoring the music for this film that has cinematography by Rathnavelu.