Allu Arjun teams up with Lokesh Kanagaraj for mega-budget film starting in 2026

Allu Arjun has reportedly joined forces with director Lokesh Kanagaraj for a new mega-budget film, which will begin production in Hyderabad in October 2026. This collaboration comes after Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie and follows detailed discussions between the actor and the director in Hyderabad, where the script was finalised.

The makers of Pushpa are producing the film, and industry sources have indicated major financial backing for the project. A source close to the production revealed that they paid Lokesh a hefty advance to direct a film under their banner.

Allu Arjun, currently a leading figure in Indian cinema after the success of Pushpa 2, continues his pattern of collaborating with top directors. The production team confirmed that they have invested heavily in both Lokesh Kanagaraj and Allu Arjun for this new venture.

Filming is scheduled to commence in October, with Hyderabad as the primary location. This timeline aligns with Allu Arjun's completion of his current project with director Atlee, in which Deepika Padukone plays the female lead.

According to reports, the talkie portion of Allu Arjun's ongoing film with Atlee will be completed by September 2026, freeing him up for the new collaboration.

The upcoming film is anticipated to feature a role that provides Allu Arjun with a distinctive narrative arc. In addition to its high-profile cast and creative team, the film will utilise leading Hollywood VFX companies for post-production work, aiming to deliver a visually compelling cinematic experience.

The release date for the project has not yet been announced, and details on additional cast and crew members remain under wraps as the production prepares for its October 2026 start.

Sources suggest that the film is being designed as a pan-Indian project, with dialogues in multiple languages to cater to audiences across India and overseas. Allu Arjun's pan-Indian appeal, demonstrated in Pushpa, is expected to be a key factor in the film's marketing strategy.

Industry insiders also indicate that the film's scale will include elaborate action sequences, exotic locations, and an original soundtrack that could feature top music composers from both South Indian cinema and Bollywood. This indicates a strong focus on creating a cinematic spectacle that can compete with international productions.

Fans of Allu Arjun are already expressing excitement on social media, speculating on the potential storyline and his look in the film. Early reports hint that the actor may undergo a physical transformation for the role, following his trend of taking on diverse characters that push his performance boundaries.

The production team is reportedly keen on maintaining secrecy around the plot, with only key crew members having access to the full script. This level of confidentiality suggests that the filmmakers are planning surprises that could make the film a major talking point ahead of its release.

With Lokesh Kanagaraj at the helm, expectations are high, as his previous works have been praised for their unique storytelling, intense action sequences, and gripping narratives. Pairing him with Allu Arjun, known for his energy and charisma, is seen as a promising combination for both critics and audiences alike.

Overall, this collaboration is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema for 2026. The industry is watching closely, and the film's progress from pre-production to its eventual release is expected to generate widespread media coverage and fan engagement.

Tags:

Allu Arjun, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Pushpa 2, Hyderabad, Bollywood, Tollywood, Pan-Indian Film, Mega-Budget Movie, Hollywood VFX, Deepika Padukone