It's official: Rashmika Mandanna to play the female lead in Vijay, Vamshi Paidipally's Thalapathy 66

Finally, the much-awaited speculation with regard to the heroine in Thalapathy 66 (tentative title) has come to an end. The makers have officially announced that Rashmika Mandanna will be paired opposite Vijay in the film which will have Vamshi Paidipally at the helm. The untitled project will be made in Tamil and Telugu.

Dil Raju is producing the movie under Sri Venkateswara Creations. This is his second production venture in Kollywood after Shankar, Ram Charan's RC 15. It is Rashmika's birthday today and the makers decided to announce the news on the occasion of her special day. 

The social media handle of the production house tweeted, "Wishing the talented and gorgeous @iamRashmika a very Happy Birthday ! Welcome onboard #Thalapathy66 (sic)." There have been various rumours doing the rounds for a long time with respect to the female lead of the film.

It was recently heard that Kiara Advani, Disha Patani and Kriti Sanon are frontrunners to bag the role, though Rashmika was also said to be under consideration by the team. It was also heard that Mehreen Pirzada might essay a pivotal role in the project though no official news has appeared on it.

Thaman will be scoring music for Thalapathy 66 which is expected to go on floors in a few days in Chennai. The movie might be slated for a theatrical release for Pongal 2023. Dil Raju had earlier revealed that the film is a family drama which will remind a couple of Vijay's hit movies in the past. 

The project is Vamshi's second bilingual movie after Nagarjuna, Karthi's Thozha which was made in Telugu as Oopiri. Fans of Vijay are elated after the announcement of Rashmika joining hands with their favourite star. A few of them shared an old video clip in which the actress expressed her interest to work with Vijay.