Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Fresh off the roaring success of Pushpa 2, Allu Arjun has announced a new film that’s already creating waves. This time, he’s partnering with hitmaker Atlee for a science-fiction project that promises something entirely out of the ordinary. The collaboration was confirmed on Allu Arjun’s birthday, and it’s no regular action flick. In fact, it's shaping up to be a visual spectacle unlike anything seen before in Indian cinema.
Backed by Sun Pictures, the film, currently untitled but dubbed AA22 is being pitched as a large-scale global project. What makes it stand out isn’t just the star power or budget, but the level of technical ambition. Arjun and Atlee recently travelled to Los Angeles, visiting some of Hollywood’s top visual effects studios, including Lola VFX, Ironhead Studio and Spectral Motion, names behind films like Avengers, Spider-Man and Black Panther. These visits weren’t for show, and the team is pulling out all the stops to craft a visually rich sci-fi universe featuring creatures, prosthetics and technology-driven storytelling.
The announcement video shared by the production house shows glimpses of this world-building in progress, with Arjun undergoing a 3D body scan, detailed script discussions and concept props from major Hollywood projects. One technician even remarked that the script “blew his mind,” hinting at a plot packed with unexpected turns and high-concept imagination.
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Atlee, known for high-energy entertainers like Jawan and Mersal, says this is the story he’s been waiting to tell for years. It blends large-scale action with fantasy and deep emotion, aimed squarely at both Indian and international audiences. Sai Abhyankar will be composing the music, marking his debut in Telugu cinema.
Reportedly mounted on a budget of £76 million (₹800 crore), the film is now one of the most expensive Indian productions to date. While the rest of the cast is still under wraps, production is expected to kick off in August 2025.
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With a genre-defying concept and global production standards, this project is a calculated leap into the kind of storytelling that could change how Indian cinema is viewed across the world.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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