Bhagyashri Borse Joins Akhil Akkineni's 'Lenin' as Female Lead After Sreeleela's Exit
Bhagyashri Borse is the new lead in Akhil Akkineni's 'Lenin'

In a significant casting update for the upcoming Telugu film 'Lenin', actress Bhagyashri Borse has been officially announced as the new female lead. She steps into the role previously assigned to Sreeleela, who exited the project. The makers introduced Bhagyashri's character, Bharathi, through a captivating first-look poster shared on social media.

A New Bharathi is Introduced

The production team behind 'Lenin' unveiled the first look of Bhagyashri Borse as Bharathi on their official Instagram account. The post was accompanied by a lyrical caption in Telugu, hinting at the character's charm and a promise of her lasting presence. The poster itself presents Bhagyashri in a traditional saree, adorned with earrings, holding a subtle and clever smile. She is seen engaging with a thread of yellow marigold flowers, suggesting a connection to the film's likely rural and romantic setting.

The announcement also confirmed that the movie's first single is scheduled for release on January 5th. This musical reveal is highly anticipated, given that the film's score is being composed by the renowned music director Thaman.

Behind the Casting Change

This development follows the departure of actress Sreeleela from the project. Reports indicate that her exit was due to scheduling conflicts with other commitments. Sreeleela had reportedly already filmed a few scenes for 'Lenin', and her sudden departure necessitated adjustments to the shooting schedule. The entry of Bhagyashri Borse, who has been receiving positive reviews for her performances in recent 2025 releases like 'Kaantha', 'Andhra King Taluka', and 'Kingdom', brings a fresh dynamic to the film.

Release Plans and Star Updates

Alongside the new casting reveal, the team shared an updated poster featuring the film's lead actor, Akhil Akkineni. Akkineni himself took to social media to wish his fans a happy new year and to build excitement for the project. He announced the January 5th date for the first single and revealed the film's broad release window. 'Lenin' is officially slated for a summer 2026 release.

Director Murali Kishor Abburu is at the helm of this venture, which is described as a village romance drama. With the lead cast now finalized and promotional activities beginning, the project is moving full steam ahead toward its 2026 debut.