August 19, 2025 Mumbai
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is set to headline one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects, joining forces with director Atlee and Telugu superstar Allu Arjun for a high-budget, pan-India sci-fi action film tentatively titled AA22xA6. The film is scheduled to begin principal photography in November 2025, with Padukone allocating a dedicated 100-day shooting schedule for her role.
According to sources close to the production, Padukone has already begun preparations for the film, which will feature her in a never-before-seen warrior avatar. The creative team has reportedly designed a distinctive look and custom weaponry for her character, promising intense dramatic and action-packed sequences throughout her shoot.
The film explores a parallel universe narrative, with Allu Arjun portraying three distinct characters across two unique worlds. Described as the most technologically advanced Indian film to date, AA22xA6 will be shot until September 2026 and is targeting a theatrical release in the latter half of 2027.
Produced by Sun Pictures, the project boasts an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur in key roles. An international crew has been enlisted to execute the film’s complex visual effects and action choreography, underscoring its scale and ambition.
This marks Padukone’s second collaboration with Atlee following her extended cameo in Jawan, and her first on-screen pairing with Allu Arjun. The film also represents her return to full-time shooting following maternity leave, with Shah Rukh Khan’s King and AA22xA6 being her first two post-pregnancy projects.
Industry insiders view the film as a landmark crossover between Bollywood and Tollywood, blending star power, cutting-edge technology, and genre-defying storytelling. With Padukone’s commitment and Atlee’s vision, AA22xA6 is poised to redefine the boundaries of Indian cinema.
