Ramya opts out

Why? “Because the producers wanted me to do the film for half the fee I charge (Ramya charges Rs 32 lakhs). If they were Kannada producers, it was another matter. Why, I could even have agreed to act for free! (She was asked to do the role for Rs 15 lakhs) The role is not the role of a lifetime. Neither am I sitting at home, dying for roles. I am not ready to compromise on this issue.”

Co-producer B Suresh has this to say: “Ramya had earlier agreed to act for Rs 15 lakhs and was supposed to report for shooting on November 30. Instead, one of her assistants called up to say her fee was Rs 32 lakhs. She could have told us about this at the time of the Muhurat. We have replaced her with Amulya, who will soon join us on location in Chikmagalur...”

With the film chamber and the producer's association is trying all tricks to check the production costs, a discussion between stars like Ramya and others may also help. But what happens to the hapless cinema fan, who was all gung-ho about watching his favourite actress and a powerhouse performer enact a touching story? Only time will tell.