We had reported the makers of Varmaa, E4 Entertainment, weren’t happy with director Bala’s version of the film, thereby announcing the Arjun Reddy remake will be re-shot with a new team. But in a shocking development, director Bala released a statement on Saturday saying “to safeguard creative freedom”, it was his own decision to relieve himself from the project. Now, we hear Sandeep Vanga’s associate Girisayya may direct the film. However, official confirmation is awaited.

According to sources, in the beginning, it was decided Sandeep would be directing the remake as well. However, the offer went to Bala as the Arjun Reddy director was occupied with his Bollywood commitments. Varmaa that has Dhruv Vikram in the lead, will go on floors next month once the team locks the new cast and crew, adds the source.

Arjun Reddy, starring Vijay Deverakonda, was a runaway hit. Currently, Sandeep is directing Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani in the Hindi remake titled Kabir Singh. Rumour mills suggest “Kabir Singh with a Punjabi protagonist will have the same punch and madness of Arjun Reddy.” The film will be extensively shot in Delhi, Mumbai and Mussoorie.