Deepika Padukone's role in the sci-fi action film AA22xA6 is confirmed as pivotal, not a cameo. Rumours of reduced screen time are denied. She films from October to December.

Last Updated: 01.54 PM, Oct 01, 2025
Despite considerable rumours to the contrary, sources close to Atlee's impending sci-fi action film, which is currently working under the moniker AA22xA6, have denied that Deepika Padukone's role has been reduced. The reports, which have circulated over the past few days, suggested a trimming of her screen time.
Mid-Day has confirmed with two unit insiders that the actor's portion is still being shot exactly as scheduled. Once filming for Shah Rukh Khan's King wraps up in late October, the star will reportedly join the project's production unit.
In response to rumours, a member of the film's production crew issued a clear statement detailing the scope and scale of the role. They said that reductions in Padukone's screen time are unfounded allegations. Since she joined the team in June, her role has remained unchanged. She plays a tough role that is pivotal to the story's opening and second acts.
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Padukone reportedly set the dates for the film for the months of October through December. Establishing her character within the story structure will be the primary focus of the opening portion of her schedule. In November, there will be massive action set pieces with many stakes, such as a pursuit scene that Atlee is creating with a South Korean stunt team and a confrontation with a lot of conversation.
The next schedule will have the squad travelling overseas. "In December, the unit will move to the UAE where Allu Arjun and Deepika will film a crucial mid-film twist and emotional scenes," the insider explained, going on to detail the next trip.
Allu Arjun will be seen in numerous roles in the forthcoming science fiction action thriller that explores the intricacies of time travel. In addition to Padukone, the film features a multi-heroine cast that includes Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur. The presence of other A-list actors has previously prompted speculation that Padukone would just have a cameo part.
The insider was anxious to set the record straight on this particular issue, harping on how important her character was. They said, "It’s not a cameo at all. Her character drives the story in a way. Every actor has a clearly etched-out part."
According to insiders in the production, Padukone plays a pivotal and important role in the high-budget Atlee and Allu Arjun project.
Q: When will Deepika Padukone start shooting for the Allu Arjun-Atlee film?
A: Deepika Padukone is scheduled to join the project in late October after completing her ongoing shoot for Shah Rukh Khan’s King.
Q: What is the working title of Atlee's next film with Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone?
A: The working title of the film is "AA22xA6".
Q: How many heroines are reportedly in the Atlee-Allu Arjun sci-fi film?
A: The film reportedly has at least four heroines: Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur.