It’s a role opposite debutante actor Kireeti Reddy, son of influential businessman and politician Gali Janardhan Reddy
After making her mark in Tollywood opposite stars like Mahesh Babu, Ravi Teja, and Balakrishna — and more recently venturing into Tamil cinema with Sivakarthikeyan in Parashakti — Sreeleela is now turning her attention to Sandalwood with the upcoming film Junior.
“It’s risky,” says a prominent Telugu producer. “Pairing with a newcomer may not offer the momentum she’s built so far. It could even slow her upward climb.”
Yet Junior is no small venture. Kireeti Reddy is the son of influential businessman and politician Gali Janardhan Reddy, which ensures a sizable budget. “She’s likely being paid upwards of `3 crore, but whether the film cements her standing in Sandalwood without a big Kannada star is yet to be seen,” the producer said.
Junior has been in the works for over a year, and sources say it’s finally moving ahead largely due to Sreeleela’s current star power.
Interestingly, this wouldn’t be the first time she’s launched a chapter in her career by working with a newcomer. Her debut in Pelli SandaD opposite Roshan opened doors to top-tier projects in Tollywood. She’s also appeared alongside Allu Arjun in a popular dance number.
“Maybe she’s applying the same strategy in Kannada cinema—start with a fresh face, build from there, and rise to the top,” the source suggests.
