Atlee’s upcoming film Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone, is already generating huge buzz, and director Cibi Chakaravarthi has now made a massive claim about its visuals.
Speaking at the audio launch of Vijay Sethupathi’s upcoming Tamil film Baththa in Chennai, Cibi said he had seen footage from Raaka and was stunned by what Atlee had created.
“I have seen the visuals of his film. He showed them to me. Sir, I don’t think even Avatar has visuals like that. Everyone will understand what I am talking about in three days. The visuals were extraordinary,” Cibi said.
He was apparently referring to a glimpse from Raaka that is expected to be unveiled on Atlee’s birthday, September 21.
James Cameron’s Avatar franchise is widely known for its groundbreaking visual effects, making Cibi’s comparison an exceptionally bold one.
Cibi did not stop there. He also compared Atlee’s ambitions with those of SS Rajamouli, saying he believes Atlee has the potential to take Indian cinema to a wider global audience.
“Just as Rajamouli sir is taking Indian cinema to the next level, I believe Atlee sir will take Indian cinema to the global map. I feel so proud to be your student,” he said.
Lyricist Vivek, who was also present at the event, added to the hype by saying that he had previously seen films of Raaka’s scale only in Hollywood.
Cibi Recalls Rajinikanth Film Setback
Cibi also spoke emotionally about his proposed film with Rajinikanth, which did not materialise.
He had earlier been announced as the director of Rajinikanth’s next project after Sundar C. However, it was later confirmed that Ashwath Marimuthu would direct the film, titled Dharman.
Rajinikanth had revealed that Cibi narrated a story about a nuclear scientist that required filming in Afghanistan and Russia. The project was eventually dropped because of its complexity.
Speaking about the setback, Cibi credited Atlee with encouraging him during a difficult phase.
“Atlee sir is not just my teacher but also my mentor. Everyone knows my film with Rajinikanth didn’t work out. It was painful for me. Atlee sir called me during that emotional period and told me, ‘You are a blockbuster director. Don’t get fed up.’ Those words helped me bounce back. I will make you proud with my next film,” he said.
Huge Expectations on Raaka
Raaka is directed by Atlee and produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner. The film stars Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles.
Sai Abhyankkar has reportedly been brought on board to compose the music. Promotional material released so far has fuelled speculation that the movie could feature a large-scale creature or fantasy element.
The film is expected to hit theatres in 2027.
With Cibi now claiming that Raaka boasts visuals that could even surpass Avatar, expectations surrounding the Allu Arjun-Atlee project are only getting bigger.
