The Role That Almost Was: Anushka Shetty’s Forgotten Connection to KJQ

Twelve years is a long time to sit on a story — but that’s exactly how long director Kiran Kumar held onto KJQ (King Jackie Queen) before it finally reached the screen. And buried in that decade-plus journey is a casting twist fans never saw coming: Anushka Shetty was once meant to lead the film.

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga revealed the untold detail during a promotional chat with the KJQ team, ahead of the film’s August 7, 2026 release. According to him, Kiran Kumar first conceived the project as a star-driven vehicle with Anushka in the lead. The film never took off back then, but the late director kept refining the script over the years — and the role eventually transformed into the character now played by Yukti Thareja.

KJQ (King Jackie Queen)

The story follows two close friends whose bond unravels as ambition and survival turn them into rivals — a conflict that only deepens once a third character enters their world. Shashi Odela, brother of filmmaker Srikanth Odela, marks his Telugu debut with this project, while Muralidhar Goud and Ankur Vikal round out the supporting cast.

Meanwhile, Anushka Shetty — one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses — is currently gearing up for Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer alongside Jayasurya, a Malayalam fantasy thriller directed by Rojin Thomas. Dheekshith Shetty, on the other hand, has a busy slate ahead with Sheegrameva Kalyana Praptirasthu, Strawberry, and the Malayalam film Oppees.

While hustle culture in showbiz often takes a toll behind the scenes, it’s worth remembering that stress and lifestyle shifts affect more than just careers — they show up on our bodies too. If you’re noticing more than the usual thinning, our deep dive on hair fall isn’t always just about hair is worth a read.

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