Atlee’s upcoming project with Allu Arjun has been called off due to a financial disagreement. The acclaimed director, fresh off the success of Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan,” was all set to collaborate with the “Pushpa: The Rise” star, Allu Arjun, for a new high-octane venture. However, whispers within Tollywood reveal that the project has hit a significant snag.
The movie was anticipated to start production four months from now, but the brakes have been firmly applied. Reports indicate that Atlee’s demand for a hefty fee of Rs 80 crore has been deemed unmanageable by Geetha Arts, the production house that was backing the collaboration. This fee has been considered exorbitant and financially unsustainable, leading to the project’s abrupt halt.
Atlee’s remuneration has not just raised eyebrows at Geetha Arts but has also found no favor with other producers collaborating with Allu Arjun. As a result, the filmmaker is back to searching for another lead actor to bring his directorial vision to life. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun is currently immersed in his work on “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” directed by Sukumar. However, once he wraps up this venture later this month, Arjun will be on the lookout for his next big project.
In other news, after much speculation about their relationship status, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are set to marry on June 23. Yo Yo Honey Singh took to social media to express his delight and commitment to attend the wedding despite his busy schedule in London for his project, “Glory.” The invitation stipulates a ‘formal and festive’ dress code with a peculiar caveat—guests are advised not to wear red, which many speculate to be the color of Sonakshi’s bridal attire.
During the promotions for her recent project “Mr & Mrs Mahi,” Janhvi Kapoor often sported the number ‘6’ on her outfits. While cricket enthusiasts initially believed this was an ode to the sport, paparazzo Yogen Shah suggests it’s more personal. Janhvi’s beau, Shikhar Pahariya—featured on Karan Johar’s chat show last year—is linked to the number, as the registration of his car includes the digit. Janhvi’s birthday also falls on the sixth of March, adding layers to the significance of the number in her life.
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Television actress Pratiksha Honmukhe is preparing for her role in the upcoming show “Kaise Muhe Tum Mil Gaye,” where she will play Priyanka, the ex-wife of Arjit Taneja’s character, Virat. Pratiksha is thrilled about portraying the sophisticated South Delhi girl who has a clear vision of what she wants and isn’t afraid to get it. She is particularly excited about the wardrobe selections that have been curated for her character.
In legal circles, the buzz surrounds Junaid Khan’s debut film, “Maharaj,” which has faced an unexpected hurdle. The Gujarat High Court has stayed its release, prompting YRF Films and Netflix to seek an immediate hearing to challenge the verdict. Justice Sangeeta Vishen has deferred the hearing to Tuesday, mandating the producers and the OTT platform to submit their responses by then. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, the film stars Jaideep Ahlawat and is based on Saurabh Shah’s book of the same title.
The much-talked-about film “Toxic,” starring Yash, has kicked off its shoot quietly after the extensive media attention it garnered during its casting phase. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is being shot on location in South India and will later move to the UK for an extensive 150-day shooting schedule. Yash plays an underworld don in this contemporary and internationally themed action thriller, where he is joined by Nayanthara as his sister, Kiara Advani as his love interest, and Huma Qureshi as the antagonist. The release date is set for April 10, 2025, marking the third anniversary of the blockbuster “KGF: Chapter 2.”
Lastly, Parul Gulati, known for her performance in “Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout,” is gearing up for her new show, “#BlueTickVerified.” Drawing from her own experiences, Parul’s new project explores the life of a young girl navigating the highs and lows of seeking social media validation via the coveted blue tick. Parul shares, “My journey taught me a lot about seeking validation online and finding balance. I believe my story will resonate with audiences and spark important conversations about social media’s impact on our lives.”
In summary, Tollywood’s creative landscape is currently stirred by the Atlee-Arjun project’s unexpected halt, the mix of wedding bells and legal battles, television dramas, and social media explorations, marking an eventful period in the entertainment industry.
