Tamil cinema's trendsetting director Bharathiraja has replaced Priyamani with up-coming actress Iniya, to play the female lead in his next release Annakodiyum Kodi Veeranum.

This reportedly follows Priyamani's decision to walk out of the project, as she felt that playing a rural belle in the movie would not suit her current glam doll image in Tollywood and Sandalwood.

Bharathiraja’s 2004 film Kangalal Kaidhu Sei was the perfect launch pad for the actress into the industry and it was time to pay back to her mentor. But Priyamani flatly refused to part with her image.

'Priyamani is not in a mood to play a rural belle, which is a reason behind her decision. Following this, Bharathiraja, who was impressed with Iniya's performance in Vaagai Sooda Vaa, roped in her for Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum,' reports say.

The movie will see R Parthiban playing the dual role of a father and son, and Meenal in a prominent role.