Director Atlee is reworking portions of Raaka to align with Deepika Padukone‘s schedule following her recent pregnancy announcement. With nearly 50 days of shoot still pending, the team has activated a Plan B to keep the sci-fi action thriller on track without compromising scale or the actress’s health.
Mounted as a high-budget fantasy entertainer, Raaka was officially titled on April 8 to coincide with Allu Arjun‘s birthday. The film explores themes of reincarnation and revenge, with Arjun playing a transformative role alongside Deepika in what Atlee has described as an 18-year passion project.
Body Doubles and VFX Take the Lead
Reports suggest that most of Deepika Padukone‘s high-intensity action sequences will now be executed using professional body doubles. The actress has already completed close-up shots and dialogue portions, which will be merged with stunt sequences using advanced VFX. This technical solution allows the team to continue filming demanding set pieces while maintaining visual continuity in the final cut.
According to Variety, the production has opted for this strategy to ensure the film remains on schedule while prioritizing the lead actress’s well-being during her pregnancy.
Character Depth Stays Intact
Despite the shift in action coverage, Deepika Padukone remains central to Raaka‘s narrative. She will continue shooting dialogue-heavy and emotional scenes that anchor her character’s arc within the story. The move reflects a balance between safety, scheduling, and spectacle—ensuring that the film’s dramatic core stays strong even as the team navigates production challenges.
Produced by Sun Pictures, Raaka is being mounted on an international scale with a supporting cast that includes Rashmika Mandanna, Mrunal Thakur, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles. The film is expected to release in 2027.