Mumbai: Despite her high-profile exits from Kalki 2 and Spirit, Deepika Padukone is keeping her big-banner line-up intact with two major projects — King opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee’s action-entertainer with Allu Arjun (tentatively titled AA22xA6).
While she is already filming King, rumours recently suggested that her role in Atlee’s pan-India project had been shortened due to her demand for shorter work shifts. However, an insider has now dismissed these reports, affirming that Padukone’s role remains integral to the narrative.
Role remains unchanged
According to a report by Mid-Day, Padukone will join the sets of Atlee’s film later this month. “There is no truth to rumours that Deepika’s screen time has been reduced. Her role has not changed from what she was offered when she came on board in June. She has a fierce part, which is essential to the first and second acts of the narrative,” a source close to the development told the portal.
Padukone has reportedly committed her dates from late October until December-end. The initial schedule will establish her character, followed by large-scale action sequences in November. In December, the cast will move to the UAE, where Padukone and Allu Arjun will film a key mid-film twist and emotionally charged scenes.
Controversy over Kalki 2 and Spirit exits
The confirmation about her AA22xA6 role comes amid speculation surrounding her withdrawal from Kalki 2 and Spirit. Reports claimed that Padukone was dropped from Kalki 2 after demanding a 25% hike in fees and a 7-hour workday cap. Earlier this year, she also parted ways with Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, reportedly due to similar concerns about work schedules.
Industry sources suggest that since becoming a mother, Padukone has been seeking shorter working hours, sparking debates about flexibility for top stars in large-scale productions.
Atlee and Allu Arjun’s collaboration
AA22xA6 marks Atlee’s first collaboration with National Award-winning actor Allu Arjun, fresh off the massive success of Pushpa: The Rise. The film is expected to be a high-octane action entertainer, with Arjun playing dual roles.
Speaking earlier about the film, Arjun told News9: “Yes, it’s my twenty-second film, it’s with Atlee garu who directed Jawan, and we have come together for it. I like the idea that he told me, and I like his aspirations, and I felt it was like mine on many levels, and we hope to bring a very new visual spectacle film to Indian cinema.”
Conclusion
With King alongside Shah Rukh Khan and AA22xA6 with Allu Arjun on her calendar, Padukone continues to headline top-tier projects despite recent controversies. For fans, her confirmation in Atlee’s ambitious action entertainer is a strong signal that the actress remains firmly in the spotlight of Indian cinema.