Reports suggest that actor Vijay Deverakonda, director Harish Shankar and production house Sithara Entertainments may soon collaborate on a new film. This would mark a first-time association between Harish and Sithara, a partnership once considered unlikely in industry circles.

Harish is currently directing Ustaad Bhagat Singh with Pawan Kalyan, a project that had been delayed but is now progressing at a quicker pace. If reports are accurate, the Vijay-Harish-Sithara project would be his immediate next one once Ustaad Bhagat Singh is completed.

Vijay Deverakonda, last seen in Kingdom, currently has two films lined up, VD14 with Mythri Movie Makers, scheduled to begin soon, and VD13 with director Ravikiran Kola under SVC banner. It is unclear whether Harish will wait for the actor’s availability or explore another lead if timelines clash.

The director’s last year release, Mr Bachchan with Ravi Teja, struggled at the box office. There is speculation that Harish is also exploring another collaboration with Ravi Teja in an effort to replicate the success of their earlier works.

Harish had in the past indicated, although informally, that he would work with Haarika & Hassine Creations but not with Sithara Entertainments during his media interactions. The two banners are sister companies, with Haarika & Hassine handling films for director Trivikram Srinivas. However, Harish’s recent closeness with Trivikram is believed to have paved the way for renewed professional possibilities.

Vijay Deverakonda, who has worked across a mix of commercial and content-driven cinema, would be teaming up with Harish Shankar for the first time if this project materialises. This might mark a complete commercial cinema shift from the actor.