'Thala 57': Sai Pallavi turns down an offer to work with Ajith

Sai Pallavi of "Premam" fame was approached to play an important role in Ajith Kumar's next film, which is being referred to as "Thala 57." But the latest buzz is that she has refused to accept the offer due to her other commitments.

Her mother has now confirmed the news to Behindwoods, saying, "As she has signed up the Telugu project with Sekhar Kammula, she will not be a part of the said film. By the time the team approached her it was too late for her to accept the offer."

All this while, it was being reported that Anushka Shetty, who had earlier worked with Ajith in Gautham Menon's "Yennai Arindhaal," was playing the female lead in "Thala 57." But now the buzz is that the "Arundhati" actress is not part of the film.

The names of Kajal Aggarwal, Kriti Sanon and Ritwika Singh have also been doing the rounds.

The movie was launched last week. Regular shooting of "Thala 57" will begin by the end of this month, and major parts featuring Ajith will be filmed first. The filming is expected to commence in Bulgaria.

Reports add that the actor will be taking regular breaks during the shooting as he would not want to strain himself due to the multiple surgeries he underwent in November 2015. Ajith is likely to retain his popular salt-and-pepper look in the upcoming flick.

Among the crew, Anirudh Ravichander has been signed to compose the music. He had earlier scored the music for Siruthai Siva and Ajith's "Vedalam." Vetri and Anthony Ruben have been signed up for cinematography and editing, respectively.

"Thala 57" has been written and directed by Siruthai Siva, who is teaming up with Ajith for the third time, after "Veeram" and "Vedalam." Sathya Jyothi Films is bankrolling the movie, which is expected to be released in April 2017.