Jun 27, 2026 11:00am IST
Rashmika Mandanna, Allu Arjun Reunite For Mumbai Schedule Of ‘Raaka’ (EXCLUSIVE)
After weeks of speculation, Variety India can exclusively confirm that "Pushpa" co-stars Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna are reuniting for "Raaka." The actors, who became one of Indian cinema's most popular on-screen pairings through the blockbuster franchise, will headline the upcoming film in entirely new roles. The production is set to commence its first shooting schedule in Mumbai soon.
Directed by “Jawan” filmmaker Atlee, Raaka has been mounted as a large-scale sci-fi fantasy action spectacle that also stars Deepika Padukone. The project, earlier referred to as “AA22xA6,” is eyeing a theatrical release in late-2027 and is expected to continue filming through the end of this year.
Allu Arjun and Rashmika’s chemistry in the “Pushpa” franchise was one of its biggest highlights. The film’s popularity added to the pan-India appeal of both actors. It is also understood that Rashmika Mandanna will be playing a negative character in the film.
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Mandanna’s career in the Hindi industry took off in a big way after “Pushpa.” She went on to work with actors like Ranbir Kapoor in “Animal” and Vicky Kaushal in “Chhaava,” among others. Both films proved to be big successes, giving her a strong foothold across industries.
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Mandanna was last seen in “Cocktail 2,” alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The actor has shown her range by playing roles as varied as the innocent village girl Srivalli (in the “Pushpa” films) and the stylish Diya (in “Cocktail 2”) who had many layers.
The reunion of Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna in “Raaka” will surely carry nostalgia value as well as enormous commercial appeal. In a way, the film brings together two actors whose journeys mirror the rise of pan-India cinema.
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