Sai Pallavi is gearing up for one of the biggest projects of her career, Ramayana. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the upcoming epic features the actress as Sita, alongside Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana. While fans are eagerly waiting for the movie, do you know that before taking on this ambitious project, Sai Pallavi reportedly turned down several films that went on to become box-office successes.
Dear Comrade: Starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, Dear Comrade was released in 2019. Reportedly, Sai Pallavi was initially approached for the role of Lilly, which was eventually played by Rashmika. The romantic action drama explored love, student politics and the struggles of its protagonists. Although the film did not emerge as a major box-office success, it developed a loyal following after its release.
Leo: Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, became one of the biggest Tamil hits of 2023. The action thriller also featured Trisha Krishnan, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Sarja. According to reports, Sai Pallavi was approached for a role in the film but turned it down because she did not find the character suitable for her. Trisha eventually played Vijay’s wife, Sathya, in the blockbuster.
Pushpa The Rise: Released in December 2021, Pushpa: The Rise was one of the biggest hits of the year. It starred Allu Arjun in the lead along with Rashmika Mandanna. However, several reports claim that Sai Pallavi was considered for the role before Rashmika. However, she turned down the project due to alleged concerns over the glamorous nature of the character and lip-syncing demands.
Valimai: Ajith Kumar’s Valimai hit theatres in 2022 and featured Huma Qureshi as the female lead. The action thriller revolved around a police officer taking on a dangerous criminal gang. If reports are to be believed, Sai Pallavi had been considered for a role in the film but declined the offer because she felt the character lacked sufficient scope. The film went on to enjoy a strong theatrical run, particularly among Ajith’s fans.
Varisu: Released in 2023, Varisu starred Thalapathy Vijay and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles. The family action drama, directed by Vamshi Paidipally, revolved around a businessman who returns home to deal with family conflicts and business rivalries. Several reports claim that Sai Pallavi was considered for the female lead but chose not to take up the project. However, reason behind why she refused to be a part of the film isn’t known. Rashmika eventually played the role of Divya, and the film emerged as a commercial success.