Atlee’s upcoming sci-fi action film Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone, has received a major compliment from filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi. Speaking at the audio launch of Vijay Sethupathi’s upcoming Tamil film Baththa in Chennai, Cibi claimed that he had seen some of the visuals from Raaka and was left stunned by their scale and quality. He went as far as comparing the film’s visual spectacle with James Cameron’s Avatar. “I don’t think even Avatar has visuals like that,” Cibi said, adding that audiences would understand what he meant once the film’s upcoming promotional material is released.
Cibi also showered praise on Atlee, whom he considers his teacher and mentor. Drawing a comparison with SS Rajamouli, he said that just as Rajamouli has helped take Indian cinema to another level, he believes Atlee can take Indian cinema to a global audience. His comments have added to the growing curiosity around Raaka, which was previously known by its working title AA22xA6. The film officially received its title in April 2026, when the makers unveiled Allu Arjun’s striking first look.
The project, produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, is being mounted on a large scale and is described by the makers as an upcoming film featuring Allu Arjun, Atlee and Deepika Padukone. The first-look material presented Allu Arjun in a dramatic, beast-like avatar, while subsequent reports have described the project as a sci-fi action film. Production has continued through 2026, with Allu Arjun recently completing an important Mumbai schedule.
Cibi also spoke emotionally about his earlier association with Rajinikanth’s next project. He had originally been announced as the director before Ashwath Marimuthu took over the film, now titled Dharman. Recalling the disappointment of losing the opportunity, Cibi said Atlee reached out to him during that difficult period and encouraged him not to give up. He credited Atlee’s words with helping him regain confidence and promised to make his mentor proud with his next film.