'Dear Comrade', the upcoming action-drama film starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, is all set for its theatrical release on July 26 in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Sai Pallavi was initially offered Rashmika's role in the youthful romantic drama. However, she rejected the offer since she was uncomfortable with the intimate scenes in the script.

The makers then decided to rope in the 'Geetha Govindam' actress for the role. The trailer that was recently released featured an intense kissing scene between the lead pair.

On being asked about the lip-lock, Vijay Deverakonda reportedly said, "I don't like the word - lip-lock. You guys write about objectification... it's kissing... it's an emotion like anger... when we cry it is an emotion, when we kiss it is an emotion and it's not lip-locking... whenever I read lip-lock... I'm like what the f**k...I really dislike it."

The film has been directed by Bharat Kamma.