Atlee’s upcoming sci-fi action fantasy Raaka has already created buzz with Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone attached to the project. Now, the ambitious film could be getting a major Hollywood addition. According to a news report, Oscar-winning actor Will Smith is expected to shoot his portions for the film during an overseas schedule with discussions around his reported role having continued for nearly a year.
Is Will Smith Joining Allu Arjun And Atlee’s Raaka?
According to Mid-Day, Will Smith is expected to be part of Raaka and has reportedly been approached to play the film’s primary antagonist. The report says that discussions between the Hollywood actor and the makers have been going on for around a year.
While the makers have not officially announced Smith’s casting, a source close to the project told Mid-Day that preparations for his reported role are already underway.
The source said, “Will Smith’s dates are being worked out. The overseas location will be locked depending on his availability. His costumes have been finalised and there is immense excitement in the crew for the next leg.”
When Will Will Smith Shoot For Raaka?
The exact schedule and international location are yet to be decided, according to the Mid-Day report. The production team is reportedly working around Smith’s availability before locking the destination.
The overseas leg is expected to take place after September. The location could therefore depend on when Smith’s dates are finalised.
The fact that his costumes have reportedly already been prepared suggests that work on his reported portion has moved forward, although the film’s makers have not publicly confirmed the details.
What Is Raaka About?
Raaka is being developed as a sci-fi action fantasy that reportedly moves between two different timelines.
One part of the story is said to be set in a tribal Puranic Vedic era while another portion takes place in the modern day. The two periods are expected to connect as the story brings together elements of mythology, history, science fiction and fantasy.
Allu Arjun is reportedly playing a were-beast, a character who can transform from a human into an animal or an anthropomorphic beast. This is expected to be a major part of the film’s fantasy world.
The makers have kept the story details under wraps with much of the plot and character information still based on reports rather than official announcements.
What Role Will Deepika Padukone Play In Raaka?
Deepika Padukone is attached to the film and is expected to appear in the historical portion of the story. Her character is reportedly connected to the ancient timeline, which forms one of the two major settings of the film.
Is Shah Rukh Khan Also Part Of Raaka?
There has also been speculation about Shah Rukh Khan appearing in Raaka. Some recent reports suggested that the actor was no longer associated with the project. But according to the source cited by Mid-Day, Khan is still expected to shoot a cameo.
The source told Mid-Day, “Shah Rukh will also join the international schedule at some point. He is currently shooting the final song for ‘King’, and will face the camera for ‘Raaka’ after September.”
Who Else Is Reportedly Part Of Raaka?
Apart from Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna has also been linked to the project. Reports have also mentioned Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor in connection with the film, although details about their roles and involvement have not been officially confirmed.
Who Is Directing And Producing Raaka?
Raaka is being directed by Atlee, who is known for films including Raja Rani, Theri, Mersal, Bigil and Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan.
The film is being backed by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, while Sai Abhyankar is handling the music.
The project is planned as a multilingual release and is expected to be released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali and Urdu.
When Will Raaka Release In Theatres?
Raaka is currently expected to release in 2027 with reports pointing towards a late 2027 theatrical release. But exact release date has not been announced by the makers.
Also Read: Big Update On Allu Arjun And Atlee’s Raaka: Rs 1,000 Crore Epic To Be A Two-Part Film? What We Know
