Actor Pooja Hegde is the frontrunner to play the female lead in Pawan Kalyan's upcoming movie Ustaad Bhagat Singh, say reports.

Directed by Harish Shankar, the film is rumoured to be a remake of the Tamil film Theri (2016).

"Pooja has been approached for the role and she is the favourite to play the part. With her earlier film Valmiki, also directed by Harish Shankar, turning out to be a money spinner, she has become a go-to choice for the director. Pawan Kalyan, too, is pleased with Harish's decision and gave his nod. A final decision will be taken by the makers soon," says a source, adding that the film went on floors earlier this week.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film marks Harish and Pawan's second collaboration after Gabbar Singh (2012).

Last seen in F3, Pooja Hegde is currently awaiting the release of Cirkus. She is also part of Salman Khan's Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Mahesh Babu's SSMB 28.