Alia Bhatt to star alongside Mahesh Babu in SS Rajamouli’s next?

Alia Bhatt, who is presently basking in the runaway success of her latest film Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), will next be seen in an extended appearance in celebrated filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s much-anticipated period drama RRR, which stars Tollywood superstars Jr. NTR and Ram Charan in principal roles.

While RRR is still weeks away from its theatrical release, Bhatt is reportedly in talks with Rajamouli to star in his next directorial venture, a jungle adventure film featuring Mahesh Babu in the lead role. Yes, you read that absolutely right!

Sharing more details, a source in the know informs a leading entertainment portal, “Over the last few months, SS Rajamouli and his father, KV Vijayendra Prasad, have been working on the screenplay of their next collaboration with Mahesh in the lead. They have developed several characters through this period, and feel that Alia fits the bill to play the female lead. The duo also believes that the young actress will make a solid pairing with Mahesh.”

The source goes on to add that just like RRR, the upcoming film will also be designed as a pan-India film. The makers are planning to rope in actors from across industries.  “The talks are on and if everything goes as planned, Alia will team up with Mahesh for the first time ever. The dates, monetary scheme of things and the character traits are being discussed at the moment. Unlike RRR, Alia will be having a bigger role in this African jungle adventure,” adds the source.

If all goes well, the untitled film will begin production in mid-2023. By then, Mahesh Babu and Alia Bhatt are expected to complete all their present commitments. Since it is a jungle adventure film, the makers are planning to shoot it in real jungles. The film will be high on VFX also. “Of course, there will be a lot of VFX too in the narrative. But the idea is to shoot at real locations as well to get the vibe of jungles right,” divulges the source.

Stay tuned to this space for more exciting updates!