It is a season of blockbusters for filmmaker Atlee Kumar, both on and off the silver screen. On Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, the record-breaking director and his wife, Priya Atlee, sent social media into a frenzy by announcing that they are expecting their second child.
Sharing the news with a series of heartwarming family photographs, the couple expressed their gratitude and excitement for the new addition to their family. The announcement comes at a time when Atlee is scaling new professional heights, currently deep in the production of his highly anticipated pan-India spectacle, tentatively titled AA22 x A6, starring Icon Star Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone.
The couple chose Instagram to break the news through a collaborative post that featured a stunning family photoshoot. In the lead image, Priya gracefully flaunts her baby bump while standing alongside Atlee and their firstborn son, Meer. The caption, which has already garnered millions of likes, perfectly encapsulated their joy:
“Our home is about to get even cozier with the addition of our newest member! Yes! We are pregnant again. Need all your blessings, love and prayers. With love Atlee, Priya, Meer, Becky, Yuki, Chocki, Coffee and Goofy.”
The mention of their five furry companions—Becky, Yuki, Chocki, Coffee, and Goofy—added a characteristic touch of warmth to the post, reflecting the couple’s well-known love for their pets. One particularly adorable photo captured young Meer trying to mimic his mother’s pose, signalling his readiness to step into the role of a big brother.
Atlee and Priya’s love story has long been a favourite among fans. After dating for several years, the duo tied the knot in a traditional ceremony in November 2014. For years, they remained one of the industry’s most supportive power couples, with Priya often playing a key role in managing Atlee’s production ventures.
Their journey into parenthood began on January 31, 2023, when they welcomed their first son, Meer. Interestingly, Meer’s birth coincided with the historic success of Atlee’s Bollywood debut, Jawan, which featured Shah Rukh Khan and went on to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. With the announcement of their second pregnancy exactly three years after Meer’s arrival, 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark year for the family.1
While his personal life is blooming, Atlee’3s professional slate is equally explosive. He is currently directing what is being described as India’s answer to international sci-fi action—the collaboration with Allu Arjun.
The film, which marks the first-ever collaboration between Atlee and the Pushpa star, has already created massive ripples in the trade circuit. Reports suggest that Deepika Padukone will portray a “warrior queen” in a parallel universe setting, reuniting with Atlee after her impactful appearance in Jawan. The production has recently moved to international locations for high-octane sequences, ensuring that the film meets the “global scale” Atlee promised his fans.
The announcement triggered an immediate wave of congratulatory messages from the biggest names in the Indian film industry.
- Samantha Ruth Prabhu, a frequent collaborator of Atlee’s, commented: “So so beautiful. Congratulations my beautiful mama.”
- Keerthy Suresh added: “Congratulations my Darlingssss. Sending lots of love from Nyke and Keny!!”
- Karan Johar, who has often praised Atlee’s cinematic vision, also extended his warmest wishes to the growing family.
Fans have been quick to point out Atlee’s “lucky streak,” noting that his most significant life events often align with his biggest cinematic releases. With AA22 aiming for a late 2026 or early 2027 release, the arrival of “Baby Number Two” is seen as a harbinger of another box-office storm.
As Atlee balances the demanding schedule of a ₹300-crore production with the joys of a growing family, he remains one of the most influential voices in the “Pan-India” movement. His ability to blend emotional storytelling with mass-appeal spectacles has made him a favourite among stars and audiences alike.
For now, the filmmaker seems to be savouring this “cozy” transition at home before he returns to the sets to finish his next cinematic masterpiece.
