Mumbai: It is finally official. Allu Arjun and Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj are coming together for the star’s 23rd film, tentatively titled AA 23. Following the months of speculations, Mythri Movie Makers declared the much anticipated partnership on January 14, on Bhogi and the festival of Makara Sankranthi. The news has frenzied the fans, uniting two of the largest names in Indian movies.
Mythri Movie Makers, who previously backed Allu Arjun’s blockbuster Pushpa films, shared the announcement on social media, calling it a collaboration that aims to leave a lasting mark on Indian cinema. The production house asserted that the music will be composed by Anirudh Ravichander, which would be another collaboration between the composer and Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film is set to go on floors later this year.
AA 23 announcement excites fans
Posting the announcement video, the makers mentioned that the movie is about pursuing greatness,, instantly raising expectations. The video features stylised visuals along with a track titled 23, which includes lyrics by Heisenberg and vocals by Hector Salamanca, adding to the intrigue around the project.
Allu Arjun also took to social media to express his excitement. He made a hint to the number of the film title and complimented Lokesh Kanagaraj and Anirudh Ravichander and declared the partnership as a fresh and thrilling voyage. To the fans the news came as confirmation that Allu Arjun now has two big films under his belt, one with Lokesh Kanagaraj and another with Atlee.
A power packed lineup for Allu Arjun and Lokesh Kanagaraj
After the massive success of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo in 2020, Allu Arjun devoted several years to Sukumar’s Pushpa franchise. Pushpa The Rise released in 2021 and earned around ₹350 crore worldwide, while Pushpa 2 The Rule shattered records in 2024 with a staggering global collection of over ₹1,800 crore. The films established Allu Arjun as a true pan India star.
Lokesh Kanagaraj, meanwhile, last directed Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and others. The film performed well at the box office, collecting over ₹500 crore worldwide. He has just debuted with DC by Arun Matheswaran where he stars Devadas alongside Wamiqa Gabbi. Lokesh is also a writer of Benz, featuring Raghava Lawrence, and it is a part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
Apart from AA 23, Allu Arjun is also working on a high budget sci fi action film with Atlee, tentatively titled AA22 x A6. The film is produced by Sun Pictures, and Deepika Padukone plays the main role and it is the first time Arjun and the Jawan director work together.
With AA 23, the coming together of Allu Arjun’s mass appeal and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s gritty storytelling has already created massive buzz. Since the movie is about to roll on the floors this year, the movie fans are excited to get more information about the cast, story, and the release strategy.
