"Gopala Gopala"-fame Dolly aka Kishore Kumar has replaced SJ Suryah as director of Power-star Pawan Kalyan's next movie, which is being produced by Sharrath Marar under the banner Northstar Entertainment.

SJ Suryah and Pawan Kalyan have worked together in "Kushi" and "Puli." The rumours of their third collaboration started doing rounds after the director was spotted talking to the actor on the sets of "Sardaar Gabbar Singh." The Power star confirmed the news about the movie post the release of "Sardaar Gabbar Singh." The project had generated a lot of curiosity and expectations among the audience.

Check: Pawan Kalyan-SJ Suryah's movie launch photos

But now Sharrath Marar has released a statement to the media, saying SJ Suryah has walked out of the project, as he has been flooded with offers for acting following the release of "Iraivi." The director tried to adjust his dates for Pawan Kalyan's film, before opting out of the project. Hence, the makers have now roped in Kishore Kumar for the movie.

"Director SJ Suryah recently received high acclaim for his performance in the Tamil film 'Iraivi'. After the release of 'Iraivi,' Suryah has been receiving many offers in Tamil and Telugu as an actor. Director Suryah approached Pawan Kalyan to try and adjust shooting dates for their forthcoming film under the Northstar Banner," read a statement from Sharrath Marar.

"But as this would only lead to delay of the project. It was mutually agreed that Suryah would step aside. Suryah suggested various other options. Pawan Kalyan, after discussion with producer Sharrath Marar, decided to ask Dolly to direct the project. Dolly had earlier directed Pawan Kalyan in 'Gopala Gopala,' and they share a very good rapport," Marar added.

The film is in its pre-production state and Marar has planned to start its shooting in the last week of July. "Pre-production work on the film continues and the film is to commence shoot by the end of July," the producer said in the statement released to the media.