Superstar
Mahesh Babu became a big star in Tollywood film industry in the early days of his career with the film Okkadu. Okakdu made Mahesh Babu reach the masses fast. The film also made Mahesh a Youth icon. The film brought immense fame as well as stardom to the actor. From being Superstar Krishna's son to emerging as a star hero on his own, Mahesh Babu owes a lot to director Gunasekhar who made Okkadu. Okkadu is one of the all-time greatest action entertainers. The movie ran 100 days in more than 100 centers.
Prakash Raj played the lead antagonist.
Bhumika Chawla is the leading lady. Kabaddi backdrop also helped the film. Interestingly, Prakash Raj is not the first choice for Okkadu but it is Gopichand who was supposed to play the antagonist.
By the time the film is in pre-production mode,
Gopichand is riding high with back to back hits as a villain. For Obul Reddy, Gunasekhar too initially considered Gopichand. By that time, Gopichand scored a hit with Jayam and Nijam is in production. Mahesh and Gopichand's combination also opened to a lot of positive feedback. It is then Mahesh Babu discouraged the idea of having Gopichand in the film.
Mahesh Babu convinced the director and producers that the audiences might feel bored. Then, the film unit got Prakash Raj on board for the film. But, the producer MS Raju took Gopichand as a villain for his next film Varsham with
Prabhas.
So, that's how we missed seeing Gopichand in blockbuster Okkadu.
