Atlee’s much-anticipated pan-Indian project ‘Raaka’ continues to expand its already star-studded cast, with the latest reports suggesting Malayalam and Tamil actress Aishwarya Lekshmi could be joining the film. With Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone already leading the cast, alongside names like Mrunal Thakur, Janhvi Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna linked to the project, Aishwarya’s reported entry adds another intriguing layer to the film’s growing ensemble.

Aishwarya Lekshmi in talks to play a negative role in ‘Raaka’

According to a report by Nakkheeran, Aishwarya Lekshmi is currently in discussions to join Raaka, with speculation suggesting she may have been offered one of the film’s antagonist roles. If true, this would mark a significant addition to a cast already packed with major names, and the possibility of her playing a negative character has generated considerable interest, given her track record of taking on varied roles across Malayalam and Tamil cinema. A substantial villainous part in a large-scale pan-Indian film would offer her a fresh opportunity to explore a screen image quite different from her previous work.The makers, however, are yet to officially confirm her casting, with formal details expected to be announced once the team finalises its plans. Until then, Aishwarya’s reported involvement remains one of the more notable developments swirling around the project.

About Atlee’s ‘Raaka’

‘Raaka’ is being developed as a large-scale science-fiction fantasy film, with the makers eyeing a release across nine languages. Directed by Atlee, the project stars Allu Arjun in the lead, with Deepika Padukone reportedly playing the female lead. Rashmika Mandanna is also said to be essaying an important negative role, though several casting specifics remain closely guarded by the production team. The film’s scale, combined with the pairing of Atlee and Allu Arjun, has kept it firmly in the spotlight, with earlier reports also linking stars like Vijay Sethupathi and Shah Rukh Khan to the project, though neither has been officially confirmed by the makers.

Aishwarya Lekshmi’s work slate

For Aishwarya, a potential role in ‘Raaka’ would come at a particularly active point in her career. She was last seen in ‘Gatta Kusthi 2’, and currently has the Telugu film ‘Sambarala Yeti Gattu’ and the Malayalam project Asha in her pipeline.