Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Gopichand Malineni recently announced their second collaboration, NBK111, with a grand muhurtham ceremony.
The launch poster showcased Balakrishna in a regal avatar, hinting at a dual role and a film mounted on a massive scale. At that point, the makers indicated that the project would be produced on a huge budget.
However, the plan has now undergone a major shift. Following the disappointing result of Akhanda 2, Gopichand Malineni has decided to drop the originally announced subject.
Given the current market conditions, the high-budget storyline is no longer considered viable with Balakrishna in the lead.
As a result, Gopichand is now working on an entirely new script for NBK111, one that can be made on a more controlled budget.
Actress Nayanthara was initially roped in for the earlier version of the film, but her continuation in the new project remains uncertain.
With her reported remuneration touching Rs 10 crore, the makers are weighing their options, including the possibility of casting a different heroine at a lower cost.
Industry sources also suggest that Balakrishna has agreed to revise his remuneration for NBK111 in the wake of Akhanda 2.
Gopichand Malineni, too, is said to be adjusting his fees, as the team looks to scale down the budget and realign the project with current market realities.