Kartikeya director teams up with Akshay Kumar, Rana Daggubati for next: Report

Karthikeya director Chandoo Mondeti, who has been linked to multiple projects after Thandel, is now reportedly planning a Bollywood film featuring Akshay Kumar and Rana Daggubati in the lead.

According to PRO Vamsi Shekar’s post on X, the film is being developed as a large-scale venture, with Dharma Productions and Karan Johar expected to back the project. It is said to be a historical thriller set against the backdrop of Ujjain, with the possibility of another leading actor joining the cast.

This development comes at a time when Mondeti’s upcoming slate has been undergoing several changes. Following the success of Thandel, the director was expected to collaborate with Suriya under the Geetha Arts banner. While the announcement generated strong initial buzz, there have been limited updates on the project in recent months.

Mondeti had also shifted focus to Vayuputra, an ambitious animation film. However, recent reports indicate that the project has been put on hold due to budget constraints, adding further uncertainty to his lineup.

Amid these developments, actor Nikhil Siddhartha recently stated at a public event that Karthikeya 3 is expected to begin soon. The update has brought some clarity to Mondeti’s immediate plans, given the popularity of the franchise.

The reported collaboration with Akshay Kumar and Rana Daggubati marks a significant shift, positioning Mondeti for a potential entry into mainstream Hindi cinema. However, there has been no official confirmation from the makers regarding the project so far.

Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar’s recent release Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, is witnessing a steady run at the box office.