Telugu superstar Allu Arjun is set to collaborate with Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj for a big-budget, pan-Indian feature film, tentatively titled "AA23". The official announcement, made on the auspicious occasion of Bhogi, has created a buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. This collaboration marks a significant crossover, blending Allu Arjun's mass appeal with Kanagaraj's signature dark and urban narrative style.

The announcement was accompanied by a conceptual video, offering a glimpse into the film's tone and theme. The video portrays Allu Arjun as the king of the jungle, symbolized by a lion, facing a challenge from a group of foxes attempting to establish dominance. Other visuals include Arjun striding past a fire in the woods and struggling to control a restless horse on a hilltop, which many fans interpret as metaphors for controlling chaos. The video culminates with a pack of wolves charging toward a lion, only to be stopped by a thunderous roar. The clip concludes with the words "A Lokesh Kanagaraj film" and the tagline "Strive for greatness," confirming that filming will commence in 2026.

"AA23" will be Allu Arjun's 23rd film and is produced by Mythri Movie Makers. Anirudh Ravichander, a frequent collaborator with Lokesh Kanagaraj, will be composing the music for the film.

This project marks a pivotal point for Allu Arjun, following the massive success of the "Pushpa" franchise. "Pushpa: The Rise" (2021) and "Pushpa 2: The Rule" (2024) established Arjun as a pan-Indian superstar. For Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for films like "Leo" and "Coolie", this collaboration signifies an expansion of his creative ambitions.

While the genre and story details are being kept under wraps, industry insiders suggest that "AA23" is designed to redefine scale, action, and reach in Indian cinema. The film is expected to showcase Allu Arjun in a never-seen-before avatar, tailored specifically to Lokesh's gritty yet stylish filmmaking sensibilities.

The film is expected to go on floors in late 2026, most likely in August, with plans for a 2027 release. Allu Arjun is also working on a project with director Atlee, which also stars Deepika Padukone.