Anil Ravipudi’s next film to star Ram Pothineni -Not Pawan Kalyan, say sources

After delivering a festive hit with Sankranthiki Vasthunnam , blockbuster filmmaker Anil Ravipudi is now occupied with Megastar Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film, Man Shankar Varaprasad Garu . Even as this project continues shooting, Tollywood circles were abuzz this week with reports that Anil had locked his next film with Power Star Pawan Kalyan, to be produced by Dil Raju. The rumor sent Pawan’s fan base into a frenzy online, with many celebrating the supposed collaboration.

However, insiders close to both camps have now poured cold water on those speculations, calling them “baseless industry buzz.” Given Pawan Kalyan’s packed political and film commitments, including OG 2 and other pending projects, trade analysts also found the timing of such a new venture implausible.

Instead, sources reveal that Anil’s next outing will feature Ram Pothineni in the lead, with Dil Raju once again backing the project under his banner. The Anil–Ram combination has been long in the making, with their paths crossing on several occasions in the past but never quite aligning.

Trade circles are now speculating whether the new film will also target a Sankranti 2026 release, a festive slot Anil Ravipudi often prefers, or whether the team will pick another big weekend later next year.

If confirmed, the Anil–Ram–Dil Raju combination could become one of the most awaited projects in Tollywood’s upcoming slate promising energy, entertainment, and the kind of humor that has become Anil Ravipudi’s trademark.