Allu Arjun out, Atlee to now collaborate with Salman Khan?

After collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan, director Atlee, as per reports, is set to join forces with Salman Khan for his next film.

As per reports in various publications, Atlee initially aimed to collaborate with Telugu superstar Allu Arjun. However, after not getting the actor’s approval, he pitched a new idea to Salman Khan, which the Bollywood superstar apparently liked.

It is also reported that Atlee's substantial pay-check was a concern for Geetha Arts, owned by Allu Arjun's father, Allu Aravind.

Atlee is currently working on the script, and the film will be announced soon under the banner of Sun Pictures.

Shooting is expected to start next year, as Salman is currently busy with Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, who helmed the Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini.

Sikandar, which has booked an Eid 2025 release date, is expected to wrap up production by March 2025.

Meanwhile, Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule has been postponed to a Diwali release due to some remaining VFX patchwork. With Pushpa 2: The Rule shifting its release date, many Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films have now booked the August 15 release slot.