What made Deepika Padukone say yes to Allu Arjun's AA26 after her exit from Spirit?

Deepika Padukone to star opposite Allu Arjin in Atlee's next

With Atlee's upcoming major project, tentatively titled AA22xA6, Deepika Padukone is poised to make her big debut in South Indian cinema. The movie, which stars Rashmika Mandanna and Allu Arjun, is marketed as a fast-paced action movie.

However, what enticed the Bollywood celebrity to participate in this bold endeavour? It turns out that her character's strength and individuality were what made the difference.

Filmfare reports that Deepika will play a fierce, dominant role as a warrior queen. According to people familiar with the development, she decided to say yes in large part because of the way her character was written.

According to reports, the actors worked hard to create a role that is memorable and strong, which caught Deepika's attention right away. She is anticipated to start getting ready for the role shortly.

On June 7, 2025, the producers shared a special video announcing Deepika's inclusion. After the actress and director Atlee went over the script, there were snippets of her entering the movie's world. Anticipation for Deepika's character was raised by the caption, which referred to her as a "queen ready to conquer."

Allu Arjun's team has clarified that the actor will be seen in dual roles, despite earlier rumours suggesting a two-hero story.

The project, which is scheduled to begin production in mid-2025 and have a major theatrical release in 2026, is made even more exciting by this twist. Fallout with Spirit and Other Projects

It's interesting to note that Deepika signed on for AA22xA6 soon after rumours circulated that she had been cut from Prabhas's Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Creative disagreements with the filmmaker allegedly resulted from her demands, which included an eight-hour workday, a hefty fee, and a cut of the profits.

Deepika's recent insistence on shorter work shifts is said to be a reflection of her desire for a better work-life balance as a new mother. In the industry, her position has generated both support and criticism, with public endorsements from actors such as Vikrant Massey and Soha Ali Khan.

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There are also rumours that Deepika might not be appearing in Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2. Due to similar scheduling and demand issues, there are rumours that the production team is reevaluating her role. However, neither Deepika's team nor the film's producers have made any official announcements about her departure.

Deepika Padukone is taking on one of her most difficult roles to date with AA22xA6, in addition to venturing into uncharted territory with a South Indian production.

Fans are excited to watch how the celebrity reinvents herself in this warrior persona, which may turn out to be yet another significant turning point in her remarkable career.