Actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar will take on Balakrishna in his upcoming film Veera Simha Reddy. Grapevine is that she plays Balayya's sister in the film directed by Gopichand Malineni.

"Varalaxmi plays a baddie with a cruel heart. Her character has all the traits of a wicked woman and a decision of her in the film changes the course of the narrative," says a source.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Veera Simha Reddy has Balakrishna playing a dual role as father and son and also features Shruti Haasan, Honey Rose and Duniya Vijay in prominent roles.

The film's title and first look poster were released amid fanfare in Kurnool on the eve of Diwali. The film is in the last leg of its production and the makers have announced its release in January.

Besides this film, Varalaxmi will also be seen in Yashoda and Hanu Man.