Mahesh Babu to play a student leader in Chiru 152?

Mahesh Babu is all set to share screen space with Chiranjeevi in the latter's 152nd film, tentatively titled Acharya. He will be seen in a powerful cameo role as a student leader in the social drama directed by Koratala Siva.

Initially, Ram Charan, who is producing the film, was supposed to play the part, but that did not work out as he was busy shooting for SS Rajamouli's RRR.

"Koratala has changed the script after Mahesh came on board and instead of a Naxalite, the actor will now be seen as a student leader," informs a source.

Mahesh may join the sets in May. "It's a 30-minute cameo, but it's a crucial one for the story. Mahesh's character appears at a crucial juncture in the film and it is his track that changes the course of the narrative. It's going to be an intense role that will strike a chord with the masses. Mahesh gave the nod without even going through the script," the source adds.

Currently, the film's shooting is underway in Ramoji Film City and the team is filming pivotal scenes with Chiru and others.

Pooja Hegde to be paired with Mahesh?

Pooja Hegde, who was last seen in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, has reportedly been approached to play Mahesh Babu's love interest in Acharya. The duo had earlier worked together in Maharshi, directed by Vamshi Paidipally.

"Acharya has a love track for Mahesh and Koratala is keen to cast Pooja in that part. He met her today for script narration and is likely to have subsequent meetings to take the things forward. From the looks of it, Pooja is excited with the offer," reveals a source. 

Also starring Trisha, Acharya went on floors earlier this year and is expected to get a release in the second week of August.

Pooja's upcoming films are the Prabhas-starrer O Dear, and Akhil Akkineni's romcom, Most Eligible Bachelor.