Sivakarthikeyan instead of Santhanam in Maryada Ramanna?

We had earlier reported that Santhanam was all set to play the lead in the Tamil remake of S S Rajamouli���s Telugu film, Maryada Ramanna, with Srinath (who last helmed Muthirai) directing it. Now, looks like there is delay in kick-starting the project because of disagreement over the film���s budget. What���s more, we hear that Santhanam might not be doing the project after all, and Sivakarthikeyan might be approached to play the lead.
A source in the know says, ���Santhanam and Prasad V Potluri���s production house, which has acquired the Tamil remake rights of the film, decided to go ahead with the project on a first-copy basis. However, the proceedings were delayed because the two of them could not come to an agreement regarding the film���s budget. The production house felt that Santhanam was quoting a higher budget. Talks are on, and in two weeks, there will be clarity.���
If the two don���t agree on the budget, we hear that both Santhanam and Srinath will opt out. The source adds, ���There���s no bad blood, and the decision will be a mutual one. The team is considering other names for the lead, and Sivakarthikeyan, who was one of their initial choices, figures on the top of the list.���
The Telugu original, starring Sunil and Saloni, was remade in Kannada as Maryade Ramanna, and in Hindi as Son Of Sardaar.