After much brainstorming, negotiations, and considering several options, the makers of Akhil Akkineni's new movie, tentatively referred to as Akhil4, have finally signed Pooja Hegde as the female lead. The film marks her first collaboration with Akhil.

"Pooja plays a strong, yet mature role that drives the story from beat to beat, through conflict to resolution. Akhil will be seen much like his real self — in a soft and restrained avatar with a stylish makeover in the film. The audience will fall in love with their sparkling chemistry and characterisation," informs a source.

Directed by Bommarillu Bhaskar and produced by Bunny Vaas under Geetha Arts 2 banner, the romcom is expected to go on floors in October.

Meanwhile, Pooja is also working on Prabhas-starrer Jaan, and the film's next schedule will commence soon in a specially constructed Europe set in Ramoji Film City. She is also part of Allu Arjun's Sankranthi release, Ala Vaikuntapuramlo.