'Malliswari' was released in theatres in 2004. In a recent interview, director K Vijaya Bhaskar revealed that Katrina Kaif didn't respond to calls from Ramanaidu Studios even after she cleared the audition.
"For three months, she didn't get back to us despite our attempts to reach out to her. In the meantime, we were getting late. Venkatesh's schedule would get upset if the shoot was not started in time. Sonali Bendre was almost finalized. While Sonali is talented, I didn't want to cast someone who is familiar to the audience. I wanted a fresh face like Katrina Kaif since hers is the role of a Princess. Since we have only imagined versions about Princesses in mind, I wanted an unknown face to play the part," the director revealed.
The director added that Katrina Kaif was eventually met in Mumbai. "I asked her why she was avoiding us. She cited language issues. I told her she didn't have to worry. She placed trust in me. By the end of the shoot, she could mouth a three-page dialogue with ease," Vijaya Bhaskar said.
