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NBK111, the second collaboration between Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Gopichand Malineni, has undergone major changes since its launch last year.

Initially, Nayanthara was announced as the female lead in November 2025. However, recent developments suggest that the project has been significantly revamped. Due to budget constraints, the makers have reportedly scrapped the earlier version of the script and moved forward with a new storyline.

With these changes, Nayanthara is said to be no longer part of the film. The team is now exploring other options for the lead role, with Kajal Aggarwal emerging as a strong contender. While her casting is yet to be officially confirmed, she is currently among the top choices.

One of the primary reasons behind this shift is financial planning. Kajal Aggarwal’s remuneration is considerably lower compared to Nayanthara, who is believed to charge close to ₹10 crore per film.

Following the underperformance of Akhanda 2, the makers are said to be adopting a more cautious and cost-effective approach. With limited expectations from OTT revenues and Nandamuri Balakrishna’s market being largely centered in the Telugu states, the team is recalibrating its strategy to keep the project financially viable.