The second season of the World Pickleball League has begun with a bang as Bengaluru Jawans opened their campaign with a commanding 5–0 win over Pune United, announcing their presence as the team to beat. Owned by filmmaker Atlee, known for hits like Jawan, Bigil, and Mersal, along with his wife Priya Atlee, Bengaluru Jawans were the champions of the league’s inaugural season, and their opening performance shows they are determined to defend their title. The team’s display of confidence, discipline, and skill left no doubt about their dominance, while the fans in the stadium created an electric atmosphere, cheering the Jawans to victory.

The emphatic win sends a clear message that Bengaluru Jawans are ready to continue their championship run, blending determination and teamwork with flair. Atlee, inspired by Shah Rukh Khan’s ownership of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, purchased the franchise with Priya, naming it after his blockbuster film Jawan and his love for Bengaluru, while aiming to promote pickleball across India.

Off the court, Atlee is working on a new film with Allu Arjun, casting Deepika Padukone as the lead, with Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor possibly in key roles. The pan-India film promises Hollywood-level VFX and action sequences and is being made on a ₹600 crore budget with investment from Sun Pictures. With a strong start to the season on the court and ambitious projects off it, Atlee continues to balance his passions for cinema and sport, while Bengaluru Jawans signal that they are a force to be reckoned with in the World Pickleball League.