Actor Pooja Hegde, who is working in multiple films, is the frontrunner to play the female lead in director Bommarillu Bhaskar's next. Billed to be a romcom, the film is being produced by Bunny Vaas, under Geetha Arts 2 banner, and stars Akhil Akkineni as the lead. 

"Bhaskar narrated the script to Pooja on Monday. Pleased with the way he has conceived the character, she has agreed to come on board. It's a strong and mature character that drives the story forward. If everything falls into place, this film will mark her first collaboration with Akhil," informs a source. 

Initially, the makers considered Rashmika Mandanna for the part, but things did not work out owing to her other commitments.

The Bommarillu Bhaskar-directorial will be launched next week, with the principal shooting set to commence on June 26 in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Pooja will resume shooting for Allu Arjun’s new film, in which she will be seen playing the CEO of a software company, on June 21.