Chennai, Jan 8 (IANS): Charmi Kaur, who plays a prostitute in upcoming Telugu romantic-drama "Prema Oka Maikam", has a crucial part in the movie, says Telugu producer D. Venkata Suresh. He insists she wasn't cast to boost the movie's glamour quotient.

"We have had several stars playing the role of a prostitute over the years and not all of them have had a negative connotation. While some may have some dark undertone, but Charmi's role in the film is very important," Suresh, one of the film's producers, told IANS.

"Since it is a triangular love story involving the role of a prostitute, we were in search of someone who could play the role. We zeroed in on Charmi because we felt she was apt, but not because to add glamour," he added.

"Prema Oka Maikam", directed by Chandu, stars Rahul and Saranya in the lead. It is likely to be released in February.

"We will take up the post-production work very soon and are hoping to release the film by next month," said Suresh.

The film, which has music by M.G.K. Praveen and cinematography by Praveen Bhandari, is co-produced by K. Surya Srikanth. It was shot in places such Bangalore and Hyderabad.