Immediately after the news of Shruti Hassan walked out of NTR's Dammu broke out, the names of Kajal, Tapsee and Karthika surfaced as the competitors to bag the role.
According to the sources, Kajal was the only name in this list, considered by the unit for the female lead role to replace Shruti Hassan. The other two were considered for the second female lead role. Finally, Karthika outplayed Tapsee to bag the role in the film opposite NTR.
As far as casting the main female lead is concerned, nothing has been finalised yet. Currently, the makers are considering the names of other heroines as well, though Kajal was the first choice to essay the role. Looking at the developments, Kajal replacing Shruti Hassan seems to be doubtful. Poor Kajal!!!