Deepika Padukone's maternity break won't delay Raaka; Here's the makers' master plan

Deepika Padukone is ensuring that work stays on track even as she prepares to welcome her second child. The actor, who recently announced her pregnancy, is currently busy filming Raaka, Atlee's much-awaited action entertainer starring Allu Arjun. While fans have been curious about whether her pregnancy would affect the film's schedule, the latest reports suggest that the production has been carefully planned to accommodate both her professional commitments and personal life.

According to reports, Deepika will complete her first shooting schedule before stepping away on maternity leave later this year. The makers have reportedly designed the production timeline in a way that allows filming to continue smoothly during her absence.

Deepika to Complete First Schedule Before Her Break

As per a Mid-day report, Deepika is expected to finish her current portions for Raaka before beginning her maternity break in September. She is likely to remain away from the film for a few months and is expected to return around her birthday in January 2027.

Once she is back, the actress will reportedly shoot the remaining portions assigned to her, including promotional content and scenes planned for the film's second instalment. Although the makers have not officially confirmed the schedule, reports indicate that the production team has been working around her availability from the very beginning.

Raaka to Continue Filming During Her Absence

Deepika's temporary break is not expected to slow down the ambitious project. The report states that filming will continue with the rest of the cast while she is away, helping the production remain on schedule.

Directed by Atlee, Raaka is being mounted as a two-part action spectacle. The film also reportedly stars Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur alongside Allu Arjun and Deepika. The makers are expected to finalise the shooting plan for the second instalment once work on the first part is completed. Both films are reportedly aiming for a 2027 release.

Balancing Stardom and Motherhood

Deepika announced her second pregnancy in April this year, receiving warm wishes from fans and the film industry. At the time, she was also shooting for King, the upcoming action film starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Siddharth Anand.

With Raaka, Deepika is set to share screen space with Allu Arjun for the very first time, making the film one of the most anticipated collaborations in Indian cinema.