Vishnuu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi are gearing up for the release of Gatta Kusthi 2, a sequel to their 2022 sports-comedy, directed by Chella Ayyavu. In an exclusive conversation with CE, director Chella Ayyavu spoke about the process of casting Aishwarya in the role of a wrestler.

The director said that Aishwarya was a last-minute addition to Gatta Kusthi's cast. "At the beginning, we told the story to many other heroines, but nothing worked out. It took us a long time to find our heroine for the film," the director said. Interestingly, he also said that the story was narrated to Aishwarya a few years before starting shoot on the 2022 film. Eventually, they had her onboard and made the film centering on her character.

Interjecting the conversation, Vishnuu Vishal said that Aishwarya should be appreciated for her understanding of screen space in the franchise.

"Part one rested completely on her shoulders. Part two veers a little more towards my character," Vishnuu said before suggesting that the lack of equal screen space did not cause any hesitation from Aishwarya. The actor added, "I told her, 'Why do you have to think so much? Part one was on your shoulders; part two on mine. If part three comes, we would share equal screen space.' Cinema is all about finding that balance. She understood that very well."

Vishnuu also said that Aishwarya eventually signed on to star in Gatta Kusthi 2 because she "wished to be part of a good film." The actor added that his co-star's perspective eventually aligned with his view about screen space. "First time, she was the centre of attraction. Here, I am the centre of attraction. For me, ultimately, I too wanted to do a good film," Vishnuu told CE during the interview.