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Mumbai: Director Atlee’s ambitious sci-fi action film Raaka has grabbed headlines not only for its scale but also for the reported remuneration of its star-studded cast. Featuring Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna, the film is currently under production and is expected to release in early 2027.

According to reports, the film is being made on a massive budget of around ₹800 crore, positioning it among the most expensive Indian films ever made. With such scale, the actors’ fees have also drawn attention, highlighting a significant pay gap within the cast.

Allu Arjun emerges as highest-paid actor

Reports suggest that Allu Arjun is the highest-paid actor in Raaka, charging approximately ₹175 crore for his role. Interestingly, the actor is expected to portray three characters in the film — a cop, a half-human half-monster figure, and a father figure — adding to the complexity of his performance.

His dramatic transformation was revealed in the film’s first-look poster, where he appeared in a striking half-human, half-monster avatar with clawed hands, hinting at the film’s fantasy and sci-fi elements.

Deepika Padukone’s reported fee

Deepika Padukone is said to be the second-highest paid actor in the film, earning approximately ₹25 crore. This places her remuneration significantly lower than Allu Arjun’s, nearly seven times less, as per reports.Deepika is reportedly playing a warrior princess in Raaka. Early visuals suggest her role involves action-heavy sequences, possibly set in a dystopian or alternate universe setting, aligning with the film’s sci-fi narrative.

Rashmika Mandanna’s role and earnings

Rashmika Mandanna’s reported fee ranges between ₹5 crore and ₹7 crore, placing her third among the lead actors in terms of remuneration.She is rumoured to be playing the antagonist in the film, although her casting details have not yet been officially confirmed by the makers. If true, this would mark a significant shift from her usual roles.

A high-concept sci-fi spectacle

Raaka is being positioned as a high-concept sci-fi thriller that explores themes of parallel universes and multiple timelines. The film aims to deliver a visually rich cinematic experience by blending fantasy, action, and advanced storytelling techniques.

Industry insiders suggest that the narrative structure could push the boundaries of mainstream Indian cinema, making it one of the most anticipated releases in the coming years.

Deepika’s project choices

Reports also indicate that Deepika Padukone chose Raaka over Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The decision reportedly came after scheduling and working condition differences, especially as the actor is balancing her professional commitments following her maternity break.

She has previously collaborated with Atlee on Jawan, and her reunion with the director is expected to add further value to the project.

Conclusion

With a massive budget, a star-studded cast, and ambitious storytelling, Raaka is shaping up to be a landmark film in Indian cinema. However, the reported pay disparity among its lead actors has sparked discussions within the industry. As production progresses, the film continues to generate buzz for both its scale and the high expectations surrounding its release.