Agencies | Mumbai:
Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone’s much-awaited collaboration with filmmaker Atlee is generating considerable excitement, with new reports suggesting that Hollywood star Will Smith and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan could be part of the ambitious sci-fi epic ‘Raaka’.
The film, earlier known by its working title AA22xA6, was officially titled Raaka on April 8, coinciding with Allu Arjun’s 44th birthday. The makers also unveiled the first-look poster, offering a glimpse of the actor in a strikingly different and intense avatar.
In the poster, Allu Arjun sports a bald look, while a mysterious, wolf-like furry hand with sharp claws partially covers his face, adding an eerie and enigmatic dimension to his character. The unusual visual has further fuelled speculation about the film’s storyline and the world being created by Atlee.
According to a report in Mid-Day, Will Smith is reportedly in discussions to join the film for a key antagonist role. The Hollywood actor is said to have been in talks with the makers since last year, and the team is now reportedly working on an overseas shooting schedule for his portions.
The report said Smith’s dates are currently being worked out, with the location for the international schedule expected to be finalised based on his availability. His costumes have reportedly already been finalised, adding to speculation that his involvement could soon move into the production stage.
The film has also been surrounded by speculation over Shah Rukh Khan’s reported cameo. While earlier reports claiming his involvement were denied, Mid-Day has now reported that Khan is indeed expected to be part of Raaka and may join the international schedule.
According to the report, Khan is currently completing work on King and is expected to begin shooting his portions for Raaka after September.
If the reports materialise, the combination of Allu Arjun, Shah Rukh Khan and Will Smith would give the project an unusually high-profile cast spanning Indian and international cinema.
Meanwhile, Raaka also features Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur in important roles. The film is reportedly being mounted on a massive budget of more than Rs 700 crore and is being produced by Sun Pictures.
With its reported scale, star-studded cast and Atlee’s reputation for mounting large-scale commercial spectacles, Raaka is shaping up as one of the most closely watched Indian film projects currently in production.
