Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is balancing motherhood and movies with precision. While cherishing her time with newborn daughter Dua, the actress is also gearing up for a major cinematic comeback. After a brief maternity break, she’s already locked in key roles, including a significant part in Shah Rukh Khan’s King and now, a massive Telugu project opposite Allu Arjun.
Deepika Padukone to Star in Atlee’s Rs 700 Crore Action Spectacle
According to a report by Peepingmoon, Deepika has officially signed on for AA22 x A6, an action extravaganza directed by Atlee. The film, set on a mammoth Rs 700 crore budget, will mark her second collaboration with Atlee after the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan. It also stars Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor in key roles.
Sources say Deepika has been in talks with Atlee for several months and recently finalized her involvement. Her character is said to demand a unique look aligned with the film’s narrative, and she’s reportedly charging a record-breaking fee for the role. Casting for other pivotal characters is still ongoing.
The film aims to showcase intense action sequences and sizzling on-screen chemistry between Deepika and Allu Arjun, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.
Exit from Spirit Over Contractual Demands
While fans were excited about Deepika’s pairing with Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, the actress has now reportedly exited the film. As per multiple Telugu media reports, including Gulte and Great Andhra, the fallout stemmed from disagreements over her working hours and remuneration.
Insiders reveal that Deepika requested an 8-hour workday—which translates to about 6 hours of actual shoot time—and asked for a revised contract if filming extended beyond 100 days. She allegedly demanded additional payment for each extra day and even sought a share of the film’s profits. Moreover, reports suggest she was unwilling to deliver dialogues in Telugu, further complicating her involvement.
A source close to the production shared, “Sandeep Reddy Vanga was taken aback when Deepika, through her agency, began negotiating strict terms that were difficult to accommodate. Her exit from Spirit was inevitable.”