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With Telugu cinema gaining global recognition in recent years, Bollywood stars are increasingly exploring opportunities in the South, eager to collaborate with talented filmmakers and score pan-India hits. Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Jawan in 2023 and Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal are prime examples of Hindi actors finding success in collaboration with South directors.

Now, another Bollywood heavyweight is set to make his mark in Tollywood. According to SVC producer Sirish, Salman Khan has officially agreed to join forces with acclaimed producer Dil Raju for a big-budget film slated for 2026. Director Vamshi Paidipally, known for hits under the same production house such as Munna, Brindavanam, Yevadu, Maharshi, and Varisu (Vaarasudu), has reportedly finalized a script tailored for Salman Khan and received the green light to move forward with production.

Salman Khan’s recent films, barring Dabangg 3 and Tiger 3, have struggled to leave a mark at the box office, and his last project Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, turned out to be a commercial disappointment. With this new venture, Salman is aiming for a strong comeback, putting faith in Vamshi Paidipally’s script.

For Vamshi Paidipally, this project is equally significant. He has been seeking the perfect Bollywood hero for the past two years; he previously pitched a script to Aamir Khan, but the project did not materialize. After the mixed response to his last film Varasudu with Thalapathy Vijay, the director is keen to deliver a blockbuster that meets the expectations of both Salman Khan’s fanbase and a pan-India audience.

The challenge lies in presenting Salman Khan in a fresh avatar while ensuring the script matches his stardom. Only time will tell whether Vamshi Paidipally can pull off a major hit with Salman Khan in this high-profile collaboration.