Deepika Padukone and Telugu star Allu Arjun are reportedly teaming up for director Atlee’s upcoming big project, temporarily titled AA22×A6. This will mark the first on-screen collaboration of the two stars, generating significant buzz among the fans. With the movie’s budget reportedly Rs 700 crore, it promises to deliver electrifying on-screen chemistry between the two superstars. According to a report in Peeping Moon, the Jawan actress and Atlee have been discussing the project for a few months now and have recently finalised the deal. Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor will also reportedly join the ensemble cast of AA22×A6, alongside Deepika Padukone in female lead roles.
Deepika Padukone, who will adopt a look tailored to the movie’s narrative, is commanding a monumental fee for her role, the reports further added. Talking about AA22×A6 with News9, Allu Arjun described the project as an ‘international presentation film with total Indian sensibilities’, emphasising the fresh visual spectacle it aims to bring to Indian cinema. The Pushpa star further expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "Yes, it’s my twenty-second film, and it’s with Atlee garu, who directed Jawaan. We’ve collaborated on it. I like the concept he told me, and I like his goals; they were similar to mine on many levels, and we aim to present a fresh visual spectacle film to Indian cinema." The movie is expected to hit theaters in late 2026.
Meanwhile, Deepika parted ways with Sandeep Reddy Vanga's project Spirit, reportedly due to creative differences. She was set to receive Rs 20 crore for the movie but allegedly requested an 8-hour workday, demanded a hefty remuneration with profits, and refused to deliver dialogues in Telugu. On the work front, the Fighter actress will also reportedly feature in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming movie King alongside his daughter Suhana Khan.
On the other hand, Allu Arjun’s last movie Pushpa 2: The Rule has created significant impact at the box office with a total Indian gross collection of Rs 1472 crore, according to Sacnilk. The Telugu star has given major hits including Pushpa: The Rise, Arya and Arya 2 many others.