We all know that national crush Rashmika Mandanna is all set to make her Bollywood debut through the film 'Mission Manju' opposite Siddharth Malhotra. It was earlier rumoured that Rashmika will play the lead lady in 'Thalapathy 66'. But the latest report reveals the reason why she has opted out of this much-anticipated film.

After Parineeti Chopra opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal due to a clash in dates with Imtiaz Ali’s Chamkila, the makers were on the hunt for an actress to replace Pari in the Ranbir Kapoor-led movie. It is now reported that Pushpa actress Rashmika Mandanna might play the lead lady opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

“Bhushan Kumar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga felt that Rashmika fits the bill to the T. They wanted a fresh cast, rather than repeating the pairing of RK with another actress. The duo feels that both RK and Rashmika will set the screen on fire with their chemistry in Animal. The two share an interesting dynamic in the film,” revealed a source close to the development, adding further that Rashmika will be playing the role of Ranbir’s wife in the film.

It is reported that Rashmika chose 'Animal' over 'Thalapthy 66' as it will gain her a permanent place in Bollywood and this has now become the talk of the town. It is also to be noted that she is currently in talks with Dharma for a new film.

On the other hand, it is said that Bollywood beauty Kriti Sanon is the hot favourite to romance Vijay in Thalapathy 66. Other sources also suggest that Vijay is playing dual roles and there could be two heroines in the film. We will have to wait for the official confirmation of the same.