Rashmika Mandanna set to surprise audiences with a grey-shaded character in Allu Arjun and Atlee’s next big-budget film- Reports

The much-awaited project bringing together Allu Arjun and director Atlee is steadily taking shape. Even without an official title reveal, the film has already sparked strong curiosity across fan circles and the industry. The combination of a mass superstar and a hitmaker like Atlee has led many to believe this could turn into one of the biggest theatrical events in the coming years.

One of the most talked-about aspects of the film is Rashmika Mandanna’s role. As per a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) by Let’s OTT, the actor is set to be seen in a “dark and challenging role with a negative shade”. This marks a sharp departure from the warm and bubbly characters she is usually associated with on screen. Reports also suggest that Allu Arjun personally recommended her for the part, with fans eager to witness a completely new dimension of Rashmika’s acting.

Check out the tweet right here.

x.com/LetsXOtt/status/2019670754833399891

Deepika Padukone adds further star power

The film also features Deepika Padukone as the principal female lead, a casting choice that has significantly raised expectations. With two strong actresses playing crucial roles, audiences are keen to see how their characters influence the narrative and complement Allu Arjun’s arc in the story.




Mandanna has reportedly begun filming her portions this week and is expected to continue through February. She will briefly step away later this month for her wedding, scheduled to take place in Udaipur on February 26, before returning to wrap up her remaining scenes.

Production progress and upcoming schedules

On the production front, the shoot is said to be progressing smoothly, with nearly 25 to 30 percent already completed. The makers are currently chalking out the next schedules, and more concrete updates are expected by the end of the month. Once the timelines are locked, clarity will also emerge when Allu Arjun completes his portions, an update that is crucial as it impacts the scheduling of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s next film.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”