Actor Deepika Padukone surprised fans on Saturday morning by officially joining AA22xA6, the highly anticipated pan-India action film featuring Allu Arjun and directed by Atlee. This marks Deepika’s second Telugu-language pan-India venture after Kalki 2898 AD.
The announcement arrives just days after her controversial exit from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, starring Prabhas. While reports initially blamed Deepika’s alleged refusal to speak Telugu and her request for limited working hours as reasons for her departure, the timing of her new Telugu project has reignited debate online.
A video released by Sun Pictures, the production house behind AA22xA6, shows Deepika interacting with Atlee in a studio, followed by glimpses of her training as a fierce warrior wielding a battle axe. Concept art revealed during the teaser hints at a physically demanding and dynamic role.
Online users were quick to question the earlier narrative. Some Redditors pointed out inconsistencies, suggesting that Vanga’s team may have misrepresented Deepika’s professional stance. “So it was never about speaking Telugu or 8-hour shifts or money—those were lies?” read one post. Others speculated that Deepika may have been treated more fairly by Atlee and Sun Pictures.
One user added perspective: “Deepika, like anyone else, is free to make choices. The fact that top directors are still approaching her says enough.”
Deepika’s departure from Spirit came amid reports that the actor, also a new mother, requested 8-hour workdays—leading to friction with the production. Vanga later accused her of leaking the film’s story, further fueling controversy. She has since been replaced by Triptii Dimri in the film, which has yet to begin production.
With AA22xA6, Deepika is back in the spotlight—this time as a battle-ready queen, turning speculation into screen presence.
