Smart Move? Deepika Padukone Joins Allu Arjun's Next Big Project After Her Removal From Prabhas’ Spirit

Deepika Padukone has joined Allu Arjun in Atlee’s upcoming big-budget action film AA22xA6 amid controversial reports of her exit from Spirit. This marks her return to Telugu cinema after Kalki 2898 AD.

Deepika and Atlee had been discussing the project for months. According to Peeping Moon, they recently locked the deal. This will be their second film together after the 2023 blockbuster Jawan.

Deepika Padukone As Primary Female Lead In Allu Arjun Starrer

Reportedly, the film stars Allu Arjun in his first triple role and is set in a parallel universe. Sun Pictures is producing the project with a massive Rs 700-crore budget. Top VFX studios from Los Angeles are working on the visuals to give it a global look.

Deepika will be seen in a role specially tailored to the story. Sources say she is charging a huge fee for the film. Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor are also part of the cast. Makers are still finalising the rest of the ensemble.

The team is planning to start shooting between July and August. Pre-production is in full swing.

Deepika is currently on maternity leave. She has been on a break since September 2024. But her comeback strategy looks evident as she is choosing only high-profile, massy films. She is also working on King with Shah Rukh Khan, which began filming this week in Mumbai.

Her Shocking Exit From Vanga’s Spirit

Deepika’s sudden exit from Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit has also made headlines. Telugu media reports claim she was dropped due to “fee issues” and “unprofessional behaviour.” As per reports, she asked for an 8-hour workday with only six hours of shoot, demanded her highest fee yet, requested a share of the profits, and refused to speak her lines in Telugu.

The makers of Spirit haven’t released an official statement yet. However, sources say Vanga has already started looking for a new lead actress in low budget.

Many are calling it a 'smart move' as Deepka preferred Allu Arjun's next over Spirit. However, some are disappointed and call it a small role and being reduced to 'flowerpot'. Deepika had a full fledge role in Vanga's film, but will star alongside multiple parallel leads in Atlee-Allu Ajrun's project.