Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone is the frontrunner to play the lead role opposite Jr NTR in his new film NTR 30. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film is expected to go on floors in June.

"After Alia Bhatt turned down the offer, Koratala has initiated talks with Deepika, who is keen to do more films in Telugu. He has recently sent the script to her and is awaiting her response. If things didn't work out, the makers are also considering Rashmika Mandanna for the part. A clear picture will emerge by this month-end," says a source close to the development.

Produced by Sudhakar Mikkilineni in association with Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, NTR 30 is touted to be a rustic action entertainer that is being made on a pan-India scale. The film brings NTR and Koratala together for the second time after Janatha Garage (2016).

Meanwhile, Deepika is currently shooting for Prabhas' upcoming sci-fi thriller Project K. Produced by C Ashwini Dutt, the film will mark her entry into Telugu cinema. She is also committed to working in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan and Hrithik Roshan's action drama Fighter.