How do you follow up Pushpa 2: The Rule’s (2024) thunderous success? By collaborating with a director who has a blockbuster on his résumé, believes Allu Arjun. The actor has begun work on his next with Atlee, the mind behind Jawan (2023). mid-day has learnt that on Sunday, the actor-director duo conducted a look test and concept photoshoot at Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai, thus setting the stage for their pan-India film that was announced earlier this month.

Sources close to the project reveal that the look test kicked off at 1 pm. “They tried multiple styles and looks for Arjun’s character—from rugged to sleek. With the Pushpa franchise, he has created a strong image. Atlee wants to present him in a new avatar, far removed from how he was shown in the blockbuster. Arjun is known to be hands-on, and he was very involved in the look tests,” shares a crew member.

While details regarding the film have been kept under wraps, rumours suggest it will be a high-concept action drama.

The source adds, “The concept photoshoot happened as well. Some 12-year-olds were brought to be shortlisted for an important aspect of the look test.”

If things go as planned, the project will roll by June-end. The title and cast will be announced soon.