Amid rumours surrounding their relationship, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s new film went underway in Hyderabad on Monday… rather silently. Last month, they made a public appearance together as the Grand Marshals to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day at the 2025 India Day Parade in New York.

Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda & Rashmika Mandanna Radiate Charm at India Day Parade in New York

Vijay plays a rustic role set in Rayalaseema

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have earlier worked in two films. While Geetha Govindam (2018) was a blockbuster, Dear Comrade (2019) failed to strike a chord with the audiences. Later, they came close to teaming up a couple of times, but things did not materialize. Vijay and Rashmika are finally sharing screen for the third time in a new film to be directed by Rahul Sankrityan. Both the actors were drawn to the director’s story and the concept. Vijay liked the story idea; after the director narrated the script to the actress, she too chanced upon the concept and flagged it off. According to sources, the film’s story is set during the British rule in India between 1854 and 1878. Vijay will play a rustic character that is set in Rayalaseema, and this is the first time he will be seen in such a role. “The film has a rooted story with a blend of edgy writing and strong emotions. Action too is an integral element of the narrative,” informs a source.

Rahul-Vijay team up for the second time

Rahul Sankrityan earlier directed Taxiwala, starring Vijay Deverakonda. The film was a super hit at the box office, and the filmmaker went on to direct Nani in Shyam Singha Roy (2021). Although the romantic drama was lauded for its Bengal set up and writing, the film did not fare well commercially. On the other hand, Vijay too is looking for redemption at the ticket window. The actor did not have any commercial success after Taxiwala, hence his reunion with Rahul is significant considering how his career is progressing.