Actress Nithya Menen has been roped in to play the female lead opposite Pawan Kalyan in PSPK 30, the Telugu remake of Malayalam action entertainer Ayyappayum Koshiyum. She will be replacing Sai Pallavi, who has walked out of the film after she wasn't impressed with the way her role has been fleshed out by the makers.

"After Sai Pallavi's unexpected exit, Pawan Kalyan has suggested Nithya Menen's name to the makers as he believes that she would perfectly fit in to portray this role driven by emotions. The makers too echoed similar views and have got her on board," says a source.

Directed by Saagar K Chandra, a new schedule of the film will begin shortly in Hyderabad and Nithya, who is currently in Bengaluru, will join the sets soon. The film also features Rana Daggubati and Aishwarya Rajesh as other leads. Produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, PSPK 30 revolves around the battle of egos between a police officer and an ex-havildar, played by Pawan and Rana, respectively.

After Vijay-starrer Mersal, Nithya Menen hasn't been part of a big-budget extravaganza down South and sources say this could be that film she is longing to be a part of.