AA23 trend: How to create your own viral Tamil gangster movie-style intro reel for Instagram

AA23

• AA23 trend turns portraits into cinematic Tamil gangster posters using AI tools
• Allu Arjun's 23rd film inspires red-and-black aesthetic trend.
• Users make AA23 videos using AI images and CapCut templates.

Did our AI summary help?

The AA23 trend is a viral Instagram and TikTok format inspired by the intense red cinematic aesthetic linked to actor Allu Arjun’s movie announcement visuals. It transforms regular portraits into gritty Tamil gangster-style posters and short reveal videos using AI tools and trending audio on Instagram and YouTube Shorts.

If you also want your own version of AA23 trend video, then here's our step-by-step guide on how to do it.

What is AA23 trend

The AA23 intro trend is a viral social media phenomenon inspired by the January 2026 announcement of Allu Arjun’s 23rd film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The trend features a "character reveal" format where a standard portrait transitions into a gritty, cinematic "Tamil gangster" illustration during a beat drop.

Defined by a red-and-black aesthetic, the style uses deep red gradients, smoky backgrounds, and bold comic-style outlines. Creators use AI tools like Gemini or Nano Banana and CapCut templates to sync their photos with the high-energy "23 Theme" BGM by Anirudh Ravichander, mimicking the film's intense teaser visuals.

How to create the AA23 cinematic image

Do understand that this trend is Instagram Reel and so you need to create a video. That means, the entire process is of two parts -- creating the image, and then converting it into the Reel.

Create AA23 trend image

1. Select a high-quality portrait with clear lighting, a visible face, and a confident pose

2. Open an AI image generator that supports reference photos such as tools inside Google or apps like Filmora

3. Upload your photo as the reference image

4. Paste this viral-style prompt:

"Create a cinematic digital illustration of the person in the reference photo. Maintain the exact face identity, hairstyle, expression, skin tone, and pose with zero distortion. Transform the entire scene into a deep red high-contrast Tamil gangster movie poster style. Replace the background with red gradients, smoky atmosphere, and subtle textures. Add bold comic book shading, thick outlines, strong black shadows, and glossy highlights on the skin and clothes. Add intense highlights to the jawline and edges of the body. Create a gritty, powerful cinematic mood, 4K illustration."

5. Generate and download the final red-toned cinematic poster

How to edit the viral AA23 video

1. Open CapCut and search for “AA23 Trend” or “Character Intro” templates

2. Select a red-themed reveal template with the trending AA23 background music

3. Add your normal video or selfie clip as the opening shot

4. Insert your AI-generated cinematic poster at the reveal moment

5. Export the video in 1080p or 4K quality

Manual method:

1. Import the trending AA23 BGM

2. Place your original clip first

3. Add a shake or flash transition at the beat drop

4. Reveal the AI poster image

5. Add film grain or texture overlays for a cinematic look