Allu Arjun-Lokesh Kanagaraj film's script work begins: Writer Rathna Kumar
Writer-director Rathna Kumar said script work has begun on AA23, starring Allu Arjun and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. He also addressed the Jana Nayagan leak and said Leo 2 is not on the cards now.
Writer-director Rathna Kumar has shared an update on AA23, the upcoming film starring Allu Arjun and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, saying work on the script has already begun. Rathna, who is returning to direction with 29 after last project, Gulu Gulu in 2022, spoke about the project while promoting his new film, which stars Vidhu and Preethi Asrani and is set for release on May 8.
Speaking about AA23, Rathna said, “We have already started working on the script for the Lokesh Kanagaraj and Allu Arjun film.” Earlier, Lokesh Kanagaraj had spoken about the status of his line-up in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India in July 2025.
He had said, “Kaithi 2 is my next. I also have commitments with Kamal Haasan sir to complete Vikram 2. I also have Rolex with Suriya sir. These are all projects that have been discussed earlier. All of these have been in the pipeline for a while, but the order of filming is still unclear. The actors’ dates and my availability determine the order of filming.” However, he is now working on AA23.
In an interview with Little Talks, Rathna, who wrote the dialogues for Vijay's Master and co-wrote Leo, also spoke about the leak of Jana Nayagan and called it painful for everyone involved. He said, “It was heartbreaking to see the film leak. So many people poured their hard work into it, and to watch that being compromised like this is deeply painful. It feels like this has happened because of the hatred directed at one individual, but the consequences go far beyond that.”
Explaining the scale of the damage, he added, “We often talk about the disappointment when a film doesn’t release on its scheduled date or even when a single show gets cancelled - but this is far worse. When an entire film is pirated and put out there, it feels as devastating as losing something you’ve nurtured and created with so much love - almost like losing a baby overnight.”
Rathna was also asked about Leo 2, the sequel to Lokesh Kanagaraj’s 2023 film. He said there was no possibility of the project at this stage. “There’s no possibility for Leo 2. It was scheduled after Kaithi 2 anyway, and that itself has not commenced yet. Let Leo’s OST be released first; then let’s talk about the sequel,” he said.
AA23 is backed by Mythri Movie Makers. The makers have not yet disclosed details of the plot. On the technical side, the film will have music by Anirudh, marking another collaboration between the composer and Lokesh Kanagaraj after Master, Vikram, Leo and Coolie.
Writer-director Rathna Kumar has shared an update on AA23, the upcoming film starring Allu Arjun and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, saying work on the script has already begun. Rathna, who is returning to direction with 29 after last project, Gulu Gulu in 2022, spoke about the project while promoting his new film, which stars Vidhu and Preethi Asrani and is set for release on May 8.
Speaking about AA23, Rathna said, “We have already started working on the script for the Lokesh Kanagaraj and Allu Arjun film.” Earlier, Lokesh Kanagaraj had spoken about the status of his line-up in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India in July 2025.
He had said, “Kaithi 2 is my next. I also have commitments with Kamal Haasan sir to complete Vikram 2. I also have Rolex with Suriya sir. These are all projects that have been discussed earlier. All of these have been in the pipeline for a while, but the order of filming is still unclear. The actors’ dates and my availability determine the order of filming.” However, he is now working on AA23.
In an interview with Little Talks, Rathna, who wrote the dialogues for Vijay's Master and co-wrote Leo, also spoke about the leak of Jana Nayagan and called it painful for everyone involved. He said, “It was heartbreaking to see the film leak. So many people poured their hard work into it, and to watch that being compromised like this is deeply painful. It feels like this has happened because of the hatred directed at one individual, but the consequences go far beyond that.”
Explaining the scale of the damage, he added, “We often talk about the disappointment when a film doesn’t release on its scheduled date or even when a single show gets cancelled - but this is far worse. When an entire film is pirated and put out there, it feels as devastating as losing something you’ve nurtured and created with so much love - almost like losing a baby overnight.”
Rathna was also asked about Leo 2, the sequel to Lokesh Kanagaraj’s 2023 film. He said there was no possibility of the project at this stage. “There’s no possibility for Leo 2. It was scheduled after Kaithi 2 anyway, and that itself has not commenced yet. Let Leo’s OST be released first; then let’s talk about the sequel,” he said.
AA23 is backed by Mythri Movie Makers. The makers have not yet disclosed details of the plot. On the technical side, the film will have music by Anirudh, marking another collaboration between the composer and Lokesh Kanagaraj after Master, Vikram, Leo and Coolie.
