Filmmaking rarely goes entirely to plan, but the makers of the sci-fi actioner Raaka are powering ahead despite a possible month-long delay following Rashmika Mandanna’s hip injury during dance rehearsals for the Atlee-directed film. The team is now gearing up for a major schedule next month, with high-octane action sequences featuring Mandanna and Allu Arjun, alongside Malayalam actor Aishwarya Lekshmi.

A source close to the production reveals, “Allu Arjun will be playing a triple role in Raaka — one as a divine warrior, another with negative traits, [while the third is still under wraps] — the character will span three different timelines in different avatars. Deepika Padukone, who has wrapped up her part, plays a pregnant woman in the Puranic Vedic era. Rashmika will play Deepika’s protector who is crucial in her fight for survival, while Janhvi Kapoor is said to play a tribal girl.”

The source adds that Lekshmi’s character will have grey shades.

The sci-fi film will move across three timelines, featuring “wild beasts, exotic new creatures and species”, informs the source.

“A massive set is also being built at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad for a September schedule, where the makers will shoot the interval block, featuring Arjun in elaborate action sequences.”