Anushka was original choice for 'Chandi': Director Samudra

Southern actress Anushka Shetty was originally considered for the role essayed by Priya Mani in forthcoming Telugu revenge-drama "Chandi", slated to release Friday. But the makers are content with Priya's performance in the film.

"Since it's a revenge drama with lot of action, we wanted to cast Anushka because she is known for her action avatar in films such as 'Arundhati'. But things didn't materialise and we finally settled with Priya, who did a splendid job of playing her role with utmost ease," V. Samudra, the film's director, told IANS.

"Priya learnt archery and swordfighting for the film. In fact, she even pulled off most stunt sequences on her own. I'm sure her role will be a treat for her fans," he added.

Samudra says he based Priya's character on Indian freedom activist Alluri Seetarama Raju.

"People wouldn't really be interested in watching a period film nowadays. Therefore, I designed the character that's imprinted with the ideologies of freedom activist Alluri Seetarama Raju in modern day. Priya plays the fourth generation daughter of Alluri in the film," he said.

"She also fights a battle but against corrupt politicians who use government sanctioned lands for their personal use," added Samudra.

The film, produced by Sreenu Babu, also features Krishnam Raju and Sarath Kumar in important roles.