Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone, and director Atlee join forces for the fantasy-action film “Raaka”
According to the CinemaDrame news agency, Indian production company Sun Pictures has unveiled the title of its major fantasy-action project in collaboration with Atlee, Allu Arjun, and Deepika Padukone: Raaka.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, coinciding with Arjun’s birthday, and was accompanied by a poster revealing the film’s title, depicting a dark, creature-driven fantasy atmosphere.
Atlee, whose credits include Jawan starring Shah Rukh Khan as well as the Tamil films Mersal and Bigil, described the project as the result of years of personal passion and effort. He said: “Raaka is not just a film; it is a part of me that I have carried for years. I stayed committed to one idea for 18 years and never let it fade away. This journey tested me, shaped me, and stayed with me all these years. And honestly, this is just the beginning.”
Sun Pictures, the Chennai-based production company, stated that the film reflects its ambition to expand the global reach of Indian cinema. In its statement, the company said: “It is a matter of pride for Sun Pictures to bring together Atlee’s unique storytelling with Allu Arjun’s iconic stature in a project designed for global audiences.”
Allu Arjun, who won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Pushpa: The Rise, joins the project following the massive success of the Pushpa franchise, which significantly impacted the commercial landscape of Indian cinema. The first installment, directed by Sukumar and starring Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, grossed around $42 million worldwide in 2021. Its sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, released in 2024, recorded approximately $194 million in global box office revenue, becoming the third highest-grossing film in Indian cinema history after Dangal and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.
Deepika Padukone, who previously worked with Atlee in Jawan alongside Shah Rukh Khan, will play the lead female role in this project—marking her first collaboration with Allu Arjun. Her involvement in the film was first announced by Sun Pictures last year.
