Deepika Padukone demands a hefty paycheque to star opposite Prabhas?

Last seen in Chhapaak (2020), which she co-produced with Fox Star Studios, Deepika Padukone is undeniably one of the most sought-after actresses working in Bollywood. Since her presence in a project guarantees huge buzz and a great return on investment, every top actor and filmmaker wants to work with her.

According to reports, Padukone has been approached to star alongside Telugu superstar Prabhas in his 21^st film. To be directed by well-known South Indian filmmaker Nag Ashwin, the forthcoming project was announced a couple of months ago. Since then, several leading actresses’ names have been attached to it.

Fresh reports suggest that the makers are yet to finalize the female lead for the much-awaited film. A number of leading actresses are still in contention for the plum part, including Deepika Padukone. However, the only thing which is stopping the makers from sealing the deal with the Padmaavat (2018) actress is her high remuneration.

To be made on a whopping budget of ₹400 crore, the yet-to-be-tiled film will be produced by Vyjayanthi Entertainments. The pre-production work of the project is going on at a swift pace and the makers are looking at beginning production in October.

Though nothing much is known about the storyline of the film, some insiders reveal that it will have a sci-fi theme and will be shot across Europe. The project will hit the marquee in several languages, including Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone is awaiting the release of Kabir Khan’s next directorial ’83 wherein she features in an extended cameo opposite Ranveer Singh. She also headlines a film by Dharma Productions, co-starring Ananya Panday and Siddhant Chaturvedi.