Shriya Saran was not the primary choice for Nandamuri Balakrishna's 100th film Gautamiputra Satakarni being directed by Krish. Heroines like Nayanthara, Anushka, Pooja Hegde and Vedika were considered for lead heroine role for the flick, but director Krish thought Shriya would be the best pick for the princess role. While Nayantara rejected the movie due to other commitments, Pooja Hegde couldn't accept as she is busy with Bollywood movie Mohenjodaro starring Hrithik Roshan. Anushka Shetty can't accept immediate call sheets, since she is doing few other projects like Baahubali 2, Bhagmati, Singham 3 etc.
It is heard that, Vedika of Banam fame did make up and screen test. Although they were satisfied with her looks and performance, they doubted whether she would fit for the role or not. So, finally the role is offered to Shriya who will be seen as mother to two kids. Gautamiputra Satakarni new schedule will be kept in a huge set near Chilukur Balaji Temple, Hyderabad. War sequences will be canned in the schedule to be choreographed under the aegis of Ram-Lakshman. Around 200 junior artists will take part in the schedule. Meanwhile, the makers are making efforts to release the prestigious venture for Sankranthi, next year.
