Director Rathna Kumar, who last helmed Gulu Gulu in 2022, is making a directorial comeback with 29. The film starring Vidhu and Preethi Asrani is gearing up for release on May 8. The filmmaker is currently busy promoting the upcoming film.
Speaking to Little Talks, Rathna Kumar, who was the dialogue writer for Master and co-writer for Leo, commented upon the Jana Nayagan leak. “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."
Elaborating on the pain the makers must have felt, 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 Kumar was then asked about Leo 2, the sequel to Lokesh Kanagaraj's 2023 directorial. "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 shared. He then opened up about AA23 by saying, "We have already started working on the script for the Lokesh Kanagaraj and Allu Arjun film."
Previously, Speaking about Kaithi 2 and Leo 2, Lokesh Kanagaraj said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India in July 2025, "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, the director is now working on AA23.
AA23 has Mythri Movie Makers attached as producer. The makers are yet to reveal any details about the film's plot. On the technical front, it will have music by Anirudh. It brings the composer back together with the director after collaborations on Master, Vikram, Leo, and Coolie.