Director Trivikram is currently facing a pleasant yet complex dilemma. Two of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema, Allu Arjun and NTR, are keen to collaborate with him.
While both actors have expressed strong interest, the real challenge lies in aligning their dates.
At present, Trivikram is busy directing “Adarsha Kutumbam” with Venkatesh. However, this film is seen as a relatively small, quick project for the filmmaker, undertaken ahead of his much more ambitious venture: “God of War,” a mythological epic based on Lord Karthikeya.
NTR had earlier given his nod to the project and was even spotted reading books related to Lord Karthikeya as part of his preparation. Co-producer Naga Vamsi had also officially announced the film on social media.
However, developments in recent months have altered the dynamics.
Allu Arjun has reportedly stepped forward, expressing willingness to take on the project should NTR be unable to accommodate dates. NTR is currently tied up with Prashanth Neel’s “Dragon,” which has been progressing steadily.
Sources tell GreatAndhra that Trivikram personally prefers Allu Arjun for the role of the “God of War.”
The primary reason is the film’s potential pan-Indian appeal. With “Pushpa 2,” Allu Arjun has firmly established his dominance in the North Indian market, boasting a reach that rivals even top Bollywood stars.
Trivikram, who is yet to deliver a full-fledged pan-Indian blockbuster, is keen to go big with God of War and reportedly aims to mount it as a Rs 1000-crore project.
In this context, insiders believe Allu Arjun offers a safer and more commercially viable option than NTR.
While NTR does enjoy a pan-Indian image and delivered a Rs 1000-crore grosser with RRR, his subsequent films—Devara and War 2—failed to replicate that scale of success. This, sources say, further tilts the balance in Allu Arjun’s favour.
That said, the road is far from clear. Allu Arjun has already committed to a film with Lokesh Kanagaraj, officially announced as his 23rd project (AA23).
If he proceeds with Lokesh’s film first, Trivikram may have to wait longer—something the director is reportedly unwilling to do.
Insiders reveal that Trivikram plans to take God of War on floors immediately after wrapping up “Adarsha Kutumbam.”
If Allu Arjun is to take up God of War, he would either need to complete Lokesh Kanagaraj’s film quickly or postpone it.
With scheduling conflicts at the core of the issue, it remains to be seen whether Trivikram will ultimately move forward with NTR or Allu Arjun.