Deepika Padukone in talks with Maddock Films for Vicky Kaushal’s Mahavatar, deets inside

Deepika Padukone

In the last week of November, Deepika Padukone was spotted at Maddock Films' office in Santacruz, Mumbai. Her appearance intensified the industry chatter that the actor is set to join the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. But sources now indicate that she is, instead, in early conversations to star opposite Vicky Kaushal in ‘Mahavatar'. Centred on the immortal warrior Parashurama, director Amar Kaushik's ambitious mythological epic was announced in November 2024. Even as the project is in pre-production, casting for the female lead has remained one of its most closely guarded decisions.

Deepika Padukone spotted outside Maddock Films' office

A production insider told mid-day, "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."

Vicky Kaushal in the first look of ‘Mahavatar'

Even as the mythological drama focuses on the story of Parashurama, it is heard that the female lead will have a strong character graph. "Amar Kaushik has been clear from the beginning that the character must have equal footing in the narrative," added the source. If the talks result in a deal, this will be Padukone's first collaboration with leading man Kaushal.

mid-day reached out to Vijan, who didn't respond till press time.

Dinesh Vijan

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Movies Deepika Padukone and producer Dinesh Vijan have collaborated on - ‘Cocktail' (2012) and ‘Finding Fanny' (2014)