Rashmika Mandanna to Star Opposite Allu Arjun in Atlee’s Upcoming Action Drama

Rashmika Mandanna Joins Allu Arjun in Atlee’s Sci-Fi Action Epic.

Following the blockbuster successes of Jawan (2023) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2025), director Atlee and actor Allu Arjun are uniting for a high-concept action extravaganza, currently titled AA22xA6. The film, already generating major buzz for its scale and cast, now has Rashmika Mandanna officially on board in what is being described as one of the boldest roles of her career.

According to a source close to the production, Rashmika has not only signed on but has also completed her look test and body scan during a pre-production session in Los Angeles. “She’s stepping into a daring new space with this film,” the source told Pinkvilla. “Her character will be very different from what audiences saw in Pushpa. The chemistry with Allu Arjun will also take a completely new turn.”

The film is being billed as a pan-India, pan-genre spectacle with global ambitions. Reportedly set across two distinct universes, the narrative will blend science fiction, fantasy, and action—marking a creative leap for Atlee, who aims to create a cinematic experience on par with international epics like Avatar.

Rashmika joins a star-studded cast that includes Deepika Padukone, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur in prominent roles, further cementing the project as one of the most anticipated in Indian cinema.

Produced by Sun Pictures, filming is expected to begin soon, with a shooting schedule that extends into the latter half of 2026. Post-production work will run parallel to the shoot, a strategy designed to maintain a consistent visual tone and allow actors to align with the VFX-heavy output in real time.

“The team is treating this as a global project in every sense,” the source added. “From visual effects to storytelling, the ambition is to push Indian cinema into new territory. A major visual promo is being readied to accompany the release date announcement.”

AA22xA6 is expected to release in multiple languages across international markets in late 2026 or early 2027.