Allu Arjun is gearing up for a significant transformation as he prepares for his role in director Atlee's tentatively titled film, "AA22xA6." According to recent reports, the actor is scheduled to undergo a look test on June 11, 2025, to explore various styles and personas for the highly anticipated project. This look test signifies the commencement of principal photography, slated to begin on June 12, 2025, at Royal Palms.
The film, backed by Sun Pictures with a massive budget, is touted to be a high-concept, VFX-heavy action film set in a parallel universe. Sources suggest that Allu Arjun will be experimenting with a range of appearances, moving away from his well-known "Pushpa" image to embrace a fresh and unique avatar. Children around 12 years old were also reportedly involved in the look test, hinting at a potentially important element of the film's narrative.
"AA22xA6" marks Allu Arjun's first collaboration with director Atlee, who is known for delivering blockbuster hits such as "Jawan" starring Shah Rukh Khan. Atlee aims to create a cinematic experience on par with Hollywood standards, incorporating time travel and intense action sequences. The film is expected to be a grand spectacle, blending cutting-edge visual effects with a storyline rooted in Indian emotions and culture.
The film's production team is assembling top-tier VFX studios from Hollywood to ensure the highest quality CGI and special effects. The promotional video released by Sun Pictures showcased Allu Arjun and Atlee's visit to Lola VFX company, along with glimpses of pre-visualization work. Industry insiders, including VFX Supervisor Jamie Madigan, have expressed excitement about the film's script and its potential for groundbreaking visual effects.
Adding to the anticipation, Deepika Padukone has officially joined the cast of "AA22xA6" as the female lead. Sun Pictures made the announcement with a special video featuring Padukone in costume. This film marks Padukone's second collaboration with Atlee after "Jawan" and her first with Allu Arjun. There are reports that the film might feature six leading heroines, with names like Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor also linked to the project.
"AA22xA6" is rumored to explore themes of parallel universes, time travel, and supernatural elements, promising a visually spectacular experience for audiences. The film is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and ambitious films ever made in India. The makers are planning to film key sequences in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and several other locations, keeping the details tightly under wraps to prevent leaks from the set. The film is tentatively scheduled for release around 2026-2027.
Prior to commencing work on "AA22xA6," Allu Arjun completed "Pushpa 2: The Rule," which was released on December 5, 2024, and grossed an estimated ₹1742 crore worldwide. In addition to "AA22xA6," Allu Arjun is also slated to star in a film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, scheduled for release in 2025, and "Pushpa 3 - The Rampage," expected in 2027. He is also working on a film with director Trivikram Srinivas, with the regular shoot expected to commence in March 2025.