Manchu Manoj and Rana Daggubati
Manchu Manoj and Rana Daggubati at the audio launch of "DK Bose"Facebook

Actor Manchu Manoj has reportedly replaced Rana Daggubati in ace filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's upcoming gangster movie titled "Golusu" after the latter opted out quoting dates issue.

Ram Gopal Varma, who is known for his underworld films such as "D Company" and "Satya", is now working on another gangster movie, which is set in the backdrop of gang rivalries. Sources claim that the director had initially planned to rope in Rana Daggubati and start shooting for the film in December 2014, but the actor, who was busy with other projects, could not allot dates for the film.

"Ramu earlier wanted to make the film with Rana and the actor was pretty gung-ho about the prospect, having loved the script..," The Times of India quoted a source close to Ram Gopal Varma as saying.

Now, the maverick filmmaker, who has roped in Manchu Manoj for the lead role, has recently started shooting for the movie. "Rana though was non committal about his dates. So RGV decided to opt for Manchu Manoj, who agreed to act in the film after listening to the revised script," added the source.

Manchu Manoj is all excited to work with Ram Gopal Varma, who has earlier worked with his brother Vishnu Manchu and father Dr Mohan Babu in 2014 hit Telugu film "Rowdy". This will be the first gangster film for the actor and he will reportedly undergo a complete transformation.

On 25 February, Manchu Manoj took to his Twitter handle to share his excitement with his followers. He tweeted, "Feeling proud as an actor for the first Tym cause of @RGVzoomin :)❤️ each shot he is taking such good care for high technical standards :) @RGVzoomin shooting r film in a grand scale after long:) he's not compromising even 4 small things:) I'm lucky to work in such big project"

The director, who is considering the titles such as "Golusu" and "Attack", is yet to finalise the title of the film. When a fan quizzed him about the title, Manchu Manoj tweeted, "@Vihu818: @HeroManoj1 Is It Titiled GOLUSU ? @RGVzoomin" not yet confirmed :)"

Surabhi has been cast for the female lead opposite Manchu Manoj, while Jagapathi Babu, who earlier worked with RGV in "Gaayam" (1993), will be seen in an important role in the film.