A seemingly ordinary Instagram story from filmmaker-actor Basil Joseph has reignited speculation about one of the most talked-about collaborations in South Indian cinema. While there has been no official announcement, fans believe the ‘Minnal Murali’ director may have subtly hinted at an upcoming film with National Award-winning Telugu star Allu Arjun. 

The buzz gathered pace after Basil shared a photograph of a cap bearing the word "Icon" on Instagram, accompanied by the popular ‘Arya 2’ track ‘Ringa Ringa’. Given that Allu Arjun is widely known as the "Icon Star", the post was quickly interpreted by fans as a teaser for the long-rumoured project, which has informally been dubbed ‘AA24’ on social media.

Although neither Basil Joseph nor Allu Arjun has confirmed the collaboration, the cryptic post has once again fuelled discussions about a film that has been the subject of speculation for months.

Why Basil Joseph's Instagram story sparked speculation

Basil's social media update offered no explanation or caption linking it directly to Allu Arjun. However, the combination of the "Icon" cap and music from one of the actor's most popular films was enough for fans to draw connections.

Within hours, social media platforms were flooded with theories suggesting that the director was teasing his next major project. Hashtags related to the rumoured collaboration, including ‘AA24’, began circulating among fans despite the absence of any official confirmation.

For now, the Instagram story remains exactly that, a cryptic social media post. Neither the filmmaker nor the actor has commented publicly on its meaning.

What is AA24?

The title ‘AA24’ is not an official film title but a working label used by fans and entertainment trackers to refer to the reported collaboration between Allu Arjun and Basil Joseph. If the project goes ahead, it would mark the first time the Telugu superstar and the Malayalam filmmaker work together.

Industry reports have indicated that the film is still in the planning stages and is unlikely to begin production until Allu Arjun completes his existing commitments.

When could the film begin?

Any collaboration between Basil Joseph and Allu Arjun is expected to happen only after the actor wraps up his packed schedule.

Allu Arjun is currently occupied with ‘Raaka’, directed by Atlee, an ambitious large-scale entertainer that reportedly relies extensively on CGI and visual effects. The film has already generated significant interest following its first-look reveal, with reports suggesting the actor could portray multiple characters.

Following ‘Raaka’, the actor is also expected to begin work on director Lokesh Kanagaraj's tentatively titled ‘AA23’ (also referred to as ‘LK07’), another high-profile project that has already created excitement after a recent look test.

As a result, any film with Basil Joseph is expected to move forward only after these projects are completed.

Is the film connected to ‘Shaktimaan’?

Earlier speculation suggested that Basil Joseph's reported collaboration with Allu Arjun could be linked to the now-shelved ‘Shaktimaan’ adaptation.

However, that theory has since been dismissed. Writer Arun Anirudhan, who co-wrote ‘Minnal Murali’, clarified that ‘Shaktimaan’ was never developed for Allu Arjun and that the proposed collaboration, if it materialises, is an entirely different story unrelated to the superhero project.

Why fans are excited

The prospect of Basil Joseph directing Allu Arjun has generated considerable excitement because of the filmmaker's reputation for combining inventive storytelling with mainstream entertainment.

Basil earned widespread acclaim for directing ‘Minnal Murali’, which was praised for offering a fresh take on the superhero genre. Since then, he has established himself as one of Malayalam cinema's most sought-after filmmakers while also expanding his acting career.

For Allu Arjun, the project would represent another major collaboration following the blockbuster success of ‘Pushpa 2’ and his upcoming films with Atlee and Lokesh Kanagaraj.

Basil Joseph and Allu Arjun's current projects

Basil Joseph was most recently seen in ‘Athiradi’, alongside Tovino Thomas, and also made a cameo appearance in ‘Mollywood Times’. Alongside acting, he continues to develop new directorial ventures that have attracted attention across the South Indian film industry.

Meanwhile, Allu Arjun remains focused on ‘Raaka’, with Deepika Padukone confirmed as the female lead. Reports have also linked Rashmika Mandanna to a key role, although the makers have yet to officially announce her casting. Music for the film is being composed by Sai Abhyankkar.