Deepika Padukone Teaming Up With Vicky Kaushal For Mahavatar? Here's What We Know

Vicky Kaushal’s Mahavatar has once again grabbed attention. It is being reported that Deepika Padukone has been approached for the lead role, and discussions are said to be progressing positively. If finalised, this would mark the first full-fledged collaboration between the two powerhouse performers. The news has surely left fans super excited as they will be seen together for the first time.

Mid-day has reported, “The team has been looking for someone who can bring gravitas and emotional depth to the role written opposite Parashurama. Deepika fits that space perfectly. Conversations have begun, but they are still at an early stage. She is among the top names the studio has engaged with.” And while the story focuses on Parashurama, Mahavatar’s

female lead has a strong character graph. “Amar Kaushik has been clear from the beginning that the character must have equal footing in the narrative,” the source added.

Vicky Kaushal To Quit Alcohol, Non-Veg For His Next Movie Mahavatar?

If a recent report is to be believed, the actor is planning to quit alcohol and non-veg for this movie. “A film like Mahavatar requires complete focus, and the duo (Vicky Kaushal and Amar Kaushik) have decided to give it all to make it a pure spectacle for the cinema-going audience. They have decided to quit non-veg food, and will start their prep for the film with a grand pooja ceremony towards the middle of next year,” a source close to the project told Bollywood Hungama.

“While Amar has already given up on the food habits, Vicky has decided to do so once the shoot for Love And War is wrapped up. It’s his way of showing respect to the part of Lord Parashurama,” the insider added.

Announcement

Last year, Vicky Kaushal shared the first look of Mahavatar, which went viral immediately. Sharing the look, the actor wrote, “Dinesh Vijan brings to life the story of the eternal warrior of dharma! Vicky Kaushal stars as Chiranjeevi Parashurama in #Mahavatar, directed by Amar Kaushik. Coming to cinemas – Christmas 2026!” Dinesh Vijan produces the film and will be directed by Amar Kaushik, the filmmaker behind Stree 2.

Mahavatar May Not Release In 2026? 

According to reports in ETimes, Vicky Kaushal has allotted around 200 days for his upcoming film, Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The shooting began in late 2024 and is expected to continue until the third quarter of 2025. The film, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, is slated for a March 2026 release. The actor has openly admitted that at the time of Chhaava, it was difficult for him to put on weight. He had reached 105 kgs for the Laxman Utekar film but had to shed it all for Love & War.

About his upcoming film

Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor are also set to collaborate. The two are currently shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War. Also starring Alia Bhatt in the lead, the film will hit theatres in 2026.