It's known that Vikram Kumar had first narrated the script of 24 to Mahesh Babu. In the event, the script went to Suriya, one of the biggest stars of Kollywood. Vikram apparently hoped to make it with Mahesh, the reigning star of Tollywood, mainly because the director views the Telugu film industry as his "bread and butter".

Be that as it may, what is the reason that the superstar didn't agree to do the film? Didn't he like Vikram's story? Or had it anything to do with his aversion to play a baddie's role (read Athreya)? Looks like the reason is the latter. "Vikram Kumar had narrated the story to me. I liked the idea a lot. But I said no because I couldn't imagine myself on the screen doing the roles," Mahesh has said, opening up about the film for the first time.

Has the Brahmotsavam star watched the film? "I watched it two days ago. I felt that none but Suriya could have fitted the bill," Mahesh said in praise of his Kollywood contemporary.

Vikram is anyways doing a film with Mahesh after the bi-lingual with Allu Arjun is done with. It might release in 2018.