Allu Arjun teams up with Lokesh Kanagaraj for 'AA23':Makers drop the big reveal on Makar Sankranti

After months of speculation, the official announcement of the new film starring Pan-India superstar Allu Arjun and director Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally been made. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, producer Mythri Movie Makers announced the film, which has currently been named AA23. This means it will be Allu Arjun's 23rd film.

The makers have created a special video for the announcement, in which the song '23' is playing. This song has been written by Heisenberg and sung by Hector Salamanca.

The tagline for the video has been kept as ‘Strive for Greatness,’ which somehow reflects the film's theme. Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music for this film, and shooting is set to begin this year.

Announcing the film on X, Mythri Movie Makers wrote, “A collaboration of Indian cinema that will be immortal. Icon Star Allu Arjun and Director Lokesh Kanagaraj strive for greatness. Shooting will begin in 2026.”

Allu Arjun, sharing the film's announcement video, wrote on X that he is extremely excited about this new journey with Maverick and Lokesh Garu. Additionally, he is eagerly waiting for it.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has expressed happiness over this announcement of Maitri. He writes on his X account, "Blessed to have Allu Arjun's company. Eager to start this journey with you, sir. Let's make it a blast."

Speaking of Allu Arjun and Lokesh Kanagaraj's work front, after Trivikram's hit action-comedy film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo in 2020, Arjun had dedicated five years of his life to Sukumar's Pushpa films.

Pushpa: The Rise was released in 2021 and Pushpa 2: The Rule in 2024. Currently, he is set to appear with Deepika Padukone in Atlee's film AA22xA6.

Meanwhile, after the Vijay-starrer Leo in 2023, Lokesh Kanagaraj made the film Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, and Shruti Haasan, in 2025.

The announcement has already sparked strong reactions across fan communities, with many calling this pairing one of the most exciting in recent Indian cinema. Both Allu Arjun and Lokesh Kanagaraj have massive followings in different regions, and the idea of them coming together has raised expectations to a new level. Within hours of the reveal, social media was filled with messages of support, fan edits, and speculation about the story, cast, and style of the film.

What makes this collaboration especially interesting is how different yet powerful their creative worlds are. Allu Arjun is known for his screen presence, dance, and emotional range, while Lokesh Kanagaraj has built a reputation for sharp storytelling, gritty action, and strong character arcs. Many viewers are curious to see how Lokesh will present Allu Arjun in a role that may differ from his recent performances, especially after the intense Pushpa films.

The title AA23 is being seen as more than just a number. For fans, it marks an important point in Allu Arjun’s career, following a period of careful project choices. After spending several years on the Pushpa franchise, this film signals a fresh phase with a new director and a new creative team. The involvement of Anirudh Ravichander further adds to the excitement, as his music has often played a key role in the success of Lokesh’s films.

Industry watchers are also paying close attention to the production scale. With Mythri Movie Makers backing the project, expectations are high for strong visuals, large set pieces, and a wide theatrical release. Although details about the story and supporting cast have not yet been revealed, the makers have made it clear that this is being planned as a major cinematic event rather than a routine release.

As shooting is expected to begin in 2026, fans will likely have to wait for more updates in the coming months. Until then, the announcement alone has managed to keep audiences engaged and hopeful. For many, AA23 is not just another film but a meeting of two powerful creative forces, promising something bold, intense, and memorable. If the early buzz is any sign, this project is already on its way to becoming one of the most talked about films of its time.

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Allu Arjun, Lokesh Kanagaraj, AA23, Mythri Movie Makers, Anirudh Ravichander, Indian Cinema, Upcoming Films, Tollywood, Pan India Film, Film Announcement