Deepika Padukone Joins Allu Arjun, Atlee's Sci-Fi Actioner 'AA22xA6'
The upcoming film will mark Deepika Padukone's second collaboration with Atlee after 'Jawan' and her first with Allu Arjun.
Actor Deepika Padukone has officially come on board director Atlee and actor Allu Arjun's AA22xA6 as the female lead. Produced by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures, the makers had earlier announced the global sci-fi project with a special video.
The new announcement marked Deepika's entry into the project, and the production house posted a video on social media, writing, “The Queen marches to conquer! Welcome onboard @deepikapadukone #TheFacesOfAA22xA6 (sic)”
The video features Deepika and Atlee discussing the script, before the actor goes to set, ready to begin shooting. The upcoming film will mark her second collaboration with Atlee after Jawan and her first with Allu Arjun.
Director Atlee said, "Collaborating with Deepika Padukone on Jawan was incredible; her range, power, and grace shine in every frame. She drives the story. Now, with her and Allu Arjun sir together, we’re creating something truly unforgettable. A filmmaker’s dream synergy."
Sun Pictures also commented on the collaboration, "Having Deepika Padukone on board elevates this project to a whole new level. She brings gravitas, star power, and an unmatched presence that will leave a lasting impact. With Atlee’s vision, Allu Arjun’s magnetic energy, and Deepika’s commanding brilliance, we’re creating something iconic for audiences across the globe."
This will be the first time Atlee is teaming up with Allu Arjun, who tasted pan-India success with his 2024 historic blockbuster Pusha 2: The Rule. Directed by Sukumar, the film released last December and grossed over ₹1,830 crore globally. Atlee last directed superstar Shah Rukh Khan-led Jawan, the 2023 action blockbuster that marked the filmmaker's Hindi debut.
Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone had recently exited from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming Spirit, with many reports citing disagreements over working hours on set as a primary point of friction between the actor and the filmmaker.
Among other points of contention, Vanga was reportedly unhappy about Padukone's demand to only work for eight hours a day; this resulted in the female lead in Spirit being recast. The new lead actress in the Prabhas-starrer is Triptii Dimri.
Amid the row, Padukone in an interview with Vogue Arabia said, "Whenever I'm faced with complicated or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just stand by decisions that really give me a lot of peace is when I feel most in equilibrium."