Naga Shaurya Replaced with Dheekshith Shetty in Dulquer Salmaan DQ41

After the box office triumph of his heist thriller Lucky Baskhar, Dulquer Salmaan has shifted focus toward Telugu projects. One of the most talked about ventures is DQ41, a contemporary love story that recently began principal photography in Hyderabad. Directed by debutant Ravi Nelakuditi, the film marks the 10th production of SLV Cinemas, with Sudhakar Cherukuri at the helm.

The narrative revolves around a strong female lead, currently portrayed by Pooja Hegde, who has committed an impressive 80 day schedule, underscoring the significance of her role . Initially, the makers approached Naga Shaurya for a prominent supporting part. However, financial disagreements led him to opt out, creating a sudden vacancy.

The producers swiftly replaced him with Dheekshith Shetty, known for his work in Dasara and The Girlfriend, making him the second lead actor in DQ41. The film’s cast is further strengthened by veteran actors Ramya Krishnan and Rao Ramesh, who play key roles. Earlier, Rashmika Mandanna was considered for the female lead but could not join due to scheduling conflicts, paving the way for Pooja Hegde. With shooting underway in Hyderabad, the production is moving at a brisk pace, aiming for a timely release .

Beyond DQ41, Dulquer Salmaan has an exciting lineup. He is set to appear in Aakasamlo Oka Tara, and his multilingual period drama Kaantha, slated for a November 14, 2025 release, continues to generate buzz. Produced by Dulquer’s own Wayfarer Films and co‑produced by Rana Daggubati, Kaantha features a grand period backdrop and a stellar ensemble, including Rana Daggubati and Bhagyashri Borse .