If you’re a fan of high-octane Indian cinema, this is the kind of update that deserves a screenshot and a forward to the entire group chat. The much-awaited collaboration between Allu Arjun and master filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj — tentatively titled AA23 (LK07) — is officially gathering serious momentum. After months of anticipation since the project was first announced, the film’s co-writer Rathna Kumar has now broken his silence with a fresh and encouraging update.
Not only is the scripting progressing at a rapid pace, but an actual work start date is now in sight. Given that Lokesh Kanagaraj is one of the most celebrated auteurs in contemporary Indian cinema — known for building the iconic Lokesh Cinematic Universe — pairing him with the Pushpa superstar feels like a collision of two unstoppable forces. Here’s everything we know right now.
What Did Co-writer Rathna Kumar Say About AA23?
Speaking with Galatta Plus, Rathna Kumar described AA23 as a film with strong international appeal, saying it is a proper pan-Indian film — not simply because of the stars or central character, but because the story itself resonates on a global level.
He further revealed that the team has already spent three weeks in discussions with Allu Arjun, and that work on the project will formally begin in the second week of May. He also noted that having Allu Arjun on board gives them the freedom to shape the film exactly the way they envision it.
That’s a huge boost of confidence — and for fans who’ve been waiting for concrete movement, this is as real as it gets.
AA23 — Everything We Know So Far
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film Title | AA23 / LK07 (working title) |
| Lead Actor | Allu Arjun |
| Director | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Co-writers | Rathna Kumar & Chandhru Anbazhagan |
| Music | Anirudh Ravichander |
| Tone | Stylish Western-inspired action |
| Work Start Date | Second week of May 2026 |
| Special Note | Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Telugu debut |
The film will feature Anirudh Ravichander composing the songs and background score — marking his first-ever collaboration with Allu Arjun. In the teaser, Arjun is seen sporting the iconic silver kada frequently seen in Lokesh’s films, hinting at a stylish, Western-inspired tone. The “23 Theme,” penned by Heisenberg, has already gone viral on Instagram Reels.
What About Allu Arjun’s Other Big Project — Raaka?
Before AA23 takes shape, Allu Arjun is currently committed to Raaka, directed by Atlee.
In the first look for Raaka, Arjun appears in a beast-like avatar resembling a werewolf, with the film expected to explore the concept of parallel universes through a quadruple role. Deepika Padukone has been confirmed as the co-lead, while Rashmika Mandanna is expected to appear as the antagonist, with Sai Abhyankkar composing the music.
It’s safe to say Allu Arjun’s pipeline is stacked with some of the most ambitious projects Indian cinema has ever seen. For the latest updates on both Raaka and AA23, follow Technosports Entertainment — and don’t miss our South Indian cinema news hub for real-time updates.
