Pan-India superstar Allu Arjun and national crush Rashmika Mandanna are set to reunite for an ambitious science-fiction action drama tentatively titled ‘AA22xA6’, to be directed by celebrated Tamil filmmaker Atlee. This development has electrified South cinema and Bollywood circles, as it marks the coming together of three of India’s most bankable names for the first time on a sci-fi canvas.
Project details
According to industry insiders, the project is being mounted on a grand scale by Mythri Movie Makers, in association with Atlee’s production house A For Apple Studios. It is set to feature cutting-edge VFX, time-travel elements, and a high-octane narrative blending mass entertainment with futuristic concepts, an area rarely explored in Telugu cinema.
Key aspects of ‘AA22xA6’
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Allu Arjun |
| Lead Actress | Rashmika Mandanna |
| Director | Atlee |
| Genre | Sci-fi Action Drama |
| Production Houses | Mythri Movie Makers, A For Apple Studios |
| Estimated Budget | ₹400 crore |
| Languages | Telugu (original), Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam (dubbed) |
| Tentative Release | Mid-2026 |
Allu Arjun and Rashmika’s chemistry
The duo last shared screen space in ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ (2021), which created box office records nationwide and elevated both stars’ pan-India popularity. Fans have since awaited their next collaboration, which was delayed due to their packed individual schedules.
Speaking about reuniting with Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna said in a recent interview:
“It is always a learning experience to work with Arjun sir. He is so spontaneous and committed. I am super excited for this sci-fi film because it will challenge me as an actor.”
Atlee’s directorial vision
Director Atlee, known for blockbuster entertainers like ‘Theri,’ ‘Mersal,’ ‘Bigil,’ and ‘Jawan’, is writing the script in collaboration with his long-time creative team. Sources say he has been researching futuristic weaponry, artificial intelligence, and time-bending physics to ground the film’s story in accessible science while delivering mass appeal.
An associate from Atlee’s team revealed:
“Atlee wants to create India’s first true sci-fi mass film with emotional core and pan-India aesthetics. It will be bigger than ‘Jawan’ in production design and action choreography.”
Plot speculation
Though makers remain tight-lipped, early buzz suggests:
- Allu Arjun will play a vigilante scientist who travels between time periods to prevent a catastrophic global event.
- Rashmika will reportedly portray a quantum physicist aiding his mission.
- The film will explore multi-verse concepts, futuristic weapons, and moral dilemmas of altering time.
Production and VFX partners
The producers are in advanced talks with Prime Focus, DNEG, and Red Chillies VFX for CGI and virtual production to ensure the film matches international sci-fi standards. Major action sequences will be choreographed by Stunt Silva with additional teams from South Korea and Hollywood.
Filming schedule and locations
‘AA22xA6’ is expected to go on floors by November 2025 with a production timeline of over 200 days. Planned shooting locations include:
- Hyderabad Ramoji Film City (labs, AI research facilities set replicas)
- Iceland (futuristic landscapes and time-warp visuals)
- Georgia (action set pieces)
Industry impact and expectations
Trade analysts predict the film will:
- Expand Telugu cinema’s genre boundaries beyond mythological and mass action formats.
- Consolidate Atlee’s standing as a pan-India director post-‘Jawan’.
- Establish Rashmika Mandanna further in experimental cinema alongside her commercial projects.
Film business analyst Taran Adarsh commented:
“This is the biggest sci-fi film planned in India so far, combining mass stars, a top director, and genre innovation. Its success could open new doors for Indian cinema globally.”
Fans’ reactions
Social media has been abuzz since the unconfirmed news broke:
- “Allu Arjun as a time traveller? Goosebumps already.”
- “Pushpa jodi back with Atlee magic. This will be EPIC!”
- “Waiting for Rashmika’s physicist role. She is so versatile.”
Recent and upcoming projects of the team
| Person | Recent Release | Upcoming Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Allu Arjun | Pushpa 2 (2024) | AA22xA6 (2026), Icon (TBA) |
| Rashmika Mandanna | Animal (2023) | Pushpa 2 (2024), Rainbow (2025), AA22xA6 (2026) |
| Atlee | Jawan (2023) | AA22xA6 (2026), Theri 2 (TBA) |
Conclusion
If confirmed officially, ‘AA22xA6’ will redefine sci-fi storytelling within Indian cinema. By blending mass action with quantum theory and futuristic concepts, and uniting three celebrated names in the film industry, it is poised to become a landmark project with potential global appeal.
Disclaimer
This article is based on industry reports and speculative insights. Official announcements on casting, plot, and release details are awaited from the production team. Content is for informational and journalistic purposes only.
