Deepika Padukone's recent agreement to join Allu Arjun's upcoming film, tentatively titled AA22xA6, directed by Atlee, comes shortly after her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit," starring Prabhas. This shift has sparked considerable discussion and speculation within the industry, with many wondering about the reasons behind her decision.
One key factor appears to be disagreements over professional terms and remuneration for "Spirit". Reports suggest that Padukone requested an eight-hour workday, which translates to six hours of shooting, and a remuneration package that included a share of the film's profits in addition to a substantial fee. Some sources claim she asked for ₹20 crore plus profit sharing, while others suggest a higher figure of ₹40 crore. These demands reportedly did not align with the producers' expectations, leading to her exit. Deepika herself stated that she declined the project because they couldn't agree on her quoted charge, emphasizing her awareness of her track record and value.
Her request for specific working conditions, particularly the eight-hour workday, highlights a growing concern within the industry regarding work-life balance, especially for working mothers. Padukone has been a vocal advocate for streamlining working hours and ensuring fair treatment for film crews, a stance that reportedly stems from her personal experiences and the importance of setting boundaries.
In contrast to the issues with "Spirit," the project with Allu Arjun and Atlee, AA22xA6, seems to offer a more appealing and exciting prospect for Deepika Padukone. The film is a pan-Indian project backed by Sun Pictures, known for its large-scale productions. This collaboration marks Padukone's first venture into South Indian cinema and her first on-screen pairing with Allu Arjun. Furthermore, it reunites her with director Atlee, with whom she previously collaborated on the successful film "Jawan".
The makers of AA22xA6 officially announced Deepika Padukone's inclusion in the film with a special video showcasing her script reading session with Atlee and glimpses of her undergoing body scans and green screen shoots. The video hints at a high-octane action role with elements of martial arts and heavy VFX, suggesting a creature-based action film. This aligns with reports suggesting that Padukone will play a fierce warrior in the film.
AA22xA6 is being touted as a "magnum opus" and a "spectacular" VFX-driven actioner. There are also reports that Allu Arjun will portray multiple roles, including an animated version of himself, and the film will be set in a parallel universe. The film is expected to be a massive cross-industry collaboration, utilizing advanced technology like de-aging.
Moreover, reports indicate that the film may feature a star-studded female cast, with actresses like Mrunal Thakur, Janhvi Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna potentially joining Deepika Padukone. Some reports even suggest that the film might have five heroines.
The combination of a strong script, a visionary director, a prominent co-star, and the promise of a significant role in a large-scale pan-Indian film likely contributed to Deepika Padukone's decision to join AA22xA6. This project presents a fresh opportunity for her to explore new cinematic avenues and collaborate with some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry.
