Chennai, India – Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj recently hinted that his upcoming film with Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA23, might be his long-cherished dream project, "Irumbukai Maayavi." Kanagaraj's non-denial response to questions about the superhero film has fueled strong speculation among fans and industry observers. The official announcement of the collaboration between Kanagaraj and Arjun came on January 14, 2026.
Director's Cautious Reply Sparks Buzz
During a recent media interaction, journalists directly asked Lokesh Kanagaraj if AA23 is indeed "Irumbukai Maayavi." The director responded cautiously, stating, "We have just announced the project for now. Let's wait for the official announcement from the production house. As of now, we are just working on a film." This statement, notably lacking a direct denial, led many netizens and Allu Arjun fans to believe that Kanagaraj indirectly confirmed the project as his dream venture.[123telugu+2]
"Irumbukai Maayavi" has been a topic of discussion for several years, with Lokesh Kanagaraj previously mentioning it as a superhero film he aspired to make. Sources close to the production suggest that Allu Arjun has approved the script, which reportedly features extensive action and strong character development. This particular project was at one point envisioned with actor Suriya in the lead role, and there were also discussions with Bollywood star Aamir Khan for the same script.[123telugu+5]
AA23: A High-Profile Collaboration
Mythri Movie Makers will produce AA23 in association with BV Works. The film marks Allu Arjun's return to Mythri Movie Makers after the successful Pushpa franchise. Anirudh Ravichandran, known for his dynamic compositions, will score the music for the film. The production house released a specially curated video on social media to announce the project, giving an early glimpse into the film's tone. Filming for AA23 is scheduled to begin in August 2026. Some reports indicate a June 2026 start.[bollywoodhungama+12]
The announcement generated significant online buzz, with fans actively discussing the film's potential scale and visual style. Even before shooting began, AA23 set a record for the highest number of Reels created for a movie announcement theme, exceeding 355,000 Reels. This demonstrates the high anticipation surrounding the collaboration between the "Icon Star" Allu Arjun and the acclaimed director Lokesh Kanagaraj.[123telugu+4]
Lokesh Kanagaraj's Project Decisions
Before committing to AA23, Lokesh Kanagaraj was involved in discussions for a film featuring legendary actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. However, Kanagaraj decided to step away from that project. He explained that while both stars liked his initial concept, they were looking for a "lighter, more relaxed entertainer" after doing several intense action films. Kanagaraj admitted that light-hearted storytelling is not his forte, leading him to respectfully decline the opportunity. He also cited a prior commitment with Mythri Movie Makers as a reason for moving forward with the Allu Arjun project.[123telugu+6]
The director also clarified the status of his "Lokesh Cinematic Universe" (LCU). He confirmed that the LCU remains active and will continue to expand. Kanagaraj stated that after completing the Allu Arjun film, his immediate next project will be Kaithi 2. He dismissed rumors that financial demands caused delays for the sequel. Other confirmed LCU projects include Vikram 2 and a standalone Rolex film.[telugucinema+10]
The indirect confirmation of AA23 as "Irumbukai Maayavi" positions the film as a highly anticipated entry in both Allu Arjun's filmography and Lokesh Kanagaraj's directorial journey, signaling a potential shift to the superhero genre for the acclaimed director.[onlykollywood+1]
