Allu Arjun's upcoming pan-Indian film, Pushpa has found a new villain in Malayalam Superstar Fahadh Faasil. However, Fahadh was not the first choice for this role as director Sukumar was keen on signing in Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi for the part. While Vijay Sethupathi has agreed in principle to sign the dotted line, his increased demands have made the makers choose Fahadh Faasil over him.

It is learnt that Vijay Sethupathi has put forth two biggest demands - pay Rs 10 crore as his remuneration and not release Pushpa in Tamil Nadu or give him the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights of Pushpa as his remuneration.

The makers were taken aback by this development as a few demands seem implausible. The deadlock continued all through the lockdown with the production house, Mythri Movie Makers, making several attempts to arrive at a consensus, the negotiations turned futile recently after Sethupathi refused to budge. Eventually, the makers have roped in Fahad and have announced his inclusion in the project on Sunday.

Pushpa is Allu Arjun's first pan-Indian film that will be released simultaneously in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada on August 13. Set in the backdrop of red sanders smuggling in the Seshachalam hills, the film has Allu Arjun essaying the role of a truck driver. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna as the leading lady.