Raaka 1st look: Internet says Allu Arjun reminds of Karthi in Kaashmora, Vikram in I; but praises 'bold transformation'

AS the much-awaited statute title notice of Atlee’s upcoming shoot with Allu Arjun dropped on the doer’s natal day, the internet couldn’t shake off the feeling that they had seen this before. Even though the film was pitched as something ‘never-seen-before’ when it was announced last year, the first look drew comparisons between everything from Karthi’s look in Kaashmora to Vikram in I. (Also Read: 5 eras of Allu Arjun's stardom: Getting trolled for his looks to becoming a superstar to be reckoned with)Allu Arjun’s furry first look from RaakaOn Arjun’s 44th birthday, April 8, the Raaka team announced the title and released his first look. While they teased the poster with a pre-look at a furry, clawed hand a day before, the title poster shows that it belongs to Arjun. “#Raaka isn’t just a film… it’s a part of me I’ve carried for years. For 18 years, I held on to one idea, never letting it fade. It tested me, shaped me, and stayed with me through everything. And honestly… this is just the beginning,” wrote Atlee, sharing the look. With kohl-lined eyes, a receding hairline, and a thick, greying moustache and beard, the actor covers his face with his clawed hand as he looks into the camera. Fans were shocked, given that nobody had expected Arjun’s look to be this in the sci-fi film when it was initially announced. Many remarked that it was bold, given that he is at the top of his career after the Pushpa films and could have played it safe.Comparisons to Kaashmora, I, Jr NTR villainAnd then there were those who thought Arjun’s look in Raaka looked a little too familiar. “Sudden ga chusi i movie poster Anukunna (I suddenly saw this and thought it was an I movie poster),” wrote an X (formerly Twitter) user, comparing it to Vikram’s look in the song Ennodu Nee Irundhaal from Shankar’s I. Another posted Karthi’s look from Kaashmora, writing, “same undi ra Kashmora lo karthi la (He looks exactly like Karthi did in Kaashmora).” Reddit, too, went on an overdrive, making comments like, “Kashmora + I + mersal mix movie ayundochu (Movie is a mix of Kaashmora, I and Mersal),” and “Kashmora hero la vunnadu bhaai (Brother looks like Kaashmora hero).” One slammed, “gundu unte kashmora (So it’s Kaashmora if he’s bald?)” Then there were those who were reminded of the villain, Raakha, played by Daniel Kaleb in Jr NTR’s 2011 film Shakthi. Many also posted his pictures, making comments like, “OMG I can't f**king believe it. They didn't even change the f**king name. RAAKA? REALLY??” Raaka is directed by Atlee and produced by Sun Pictures. It also stars Deepika Padukone in the lead role. The film is expected to hit screens in 2027.