Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha will make her Tollywood debut opposite Mahesh Babu with periodic drama movie, tentatively titled ‘Shivam’, by director Krish Jagarlamudi.

Sonakshi Sinha confirmed the news and said that she was very excited to make her debut in Telugu industry.

“Wow! Lots of support from the south for my Telugu debut - thanks guys!! Really looking forward to it... Feels like Dabangg déjà - debut with superstar, script I couldn’t refuse, capable and intelligent director! Shoot starts later this year… it's going to be a great journey :),” posted Sonakshi Sinha on her Twitter page.

According to sources, the actress was very keen on doing the movie despite her tight schedule as the movie will be her first periodic drama.

“Sonakshi had limited dates but she liked the script. She was also keen to do a period film so she gave her consent,” said a source to Mid-Day.

Apparently director Krish Jagarlamudi of ‘Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum’ fame was keen in casting Sonakshi Sinha ever since he started penning down the script three years ago.

“Apparently, Krish Jagarlamudi began writing the film three years ago, which is also when he first saw Sonakshi Sinha in ‘Dabangg’. He wanted to narrate the story to her back then, however, the actress was not keen to do South films at that time,” said the source.

“Later the director managed to meet Sonakshi through Prabhu Deva and signed her,” concluded the source.

According to sources the actress demanded a numeration of Rs.5 Crores for the movie which the makers obliged.

The big budget and lavish periodic drama will be produced by Ashwini Dutt.

The movie’s shooting will begin later this year.