Is Allu Arjun-Lokesh Kanagaraj's AA23 shelved? Writer Rathna Kumar clarifies

Rathna Kumar, writer of actor Allu Arjun and director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming film AA23, has dismissed rumours that the project has been shelved. In a social media post on Wednesday, he reacted to speculations suggesting that the big-budget pan-India film had been put on hold due to budget constraints.

AA23 was announced in March, and the song composed by Anirudh Ravichander from the announcement video quickly gained popularity on Instagram Reels as fans awaited further updates. When the recent rumours surfaced, many fans feared the unnamed project being referred to was AA23.

Amid the speculation, Rathna Kumar, who worked with Lokesh Kanagaraj on Vikram, re-shared an old post by the director from the film’s release date as Vikram completed four years. He wrote, “Please do revisit #Kaithi before getting into the world of #Vikram. One Tweet & THE REST IS HISTORY. It always feels proud to be part of this. Thank you @Dir_Lokesh for this Life time settlement (sic).” He then added, “Can’t wait for #AA23. #4YearsofVikram (sic).”

Rathna Kumar has worked on Lokesh Cinematic Universe films including Kaithi (2019), Vikram and Leo (2023), and also collaborated with Lokesh on Master (2021), that starred Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay.

The speculation had started after an X account posted on Tuesday, “Shelved ?? A Big Budget Pan India Movie which was announced in a very celebrating manner is now stuck in a Limbo over budget constraints. The Makers are searching for financiers, but things aren’t working as per expectations, Potential of this movie is Huge, official announcement regarding this expected to arrive soon. Loss for cinema if reports are correct (sic).” The post did not name the film.

Allu Arjun is currently shooting for Atlee’s Raaka with Deepika Padukone. The first look, released in April, showed the actor with a bald head, a beard and his hand covered in fur.