Thalaivar 169: Rajinikanth to start shooting for the Nelson Dilipkumar film by August

Superstar Rajinikanth will commence shooting for Thalaivar 169, in August. If everything goes as planned, the makers are looking to release the film, in theatres by April 2023, for the Tamil Year. However, we await an official word. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, whose latest outing was Vijay's Beast (streaming on Netflix), this untitled one, will be produced by Sun Pictures. Touted to be a comedy thriller, we hear the filmmaker has been working on the final draft and soon, the script will be locked.

Incidentally, it was Thalapathy Vijay who suggested that Nelson should work with the Superstar. “During the shoot, Vijay sir told me that Rajini sir was free and open to listening to scripts. When I told Vijay sir that I may not be able to match the pattern Rajini sir works with, he said, ‘Think about it for a few days and work on it'," Nelson told the Hindu.

Thalaivar 169 marks the first collaboration of Nelson Dilipkumar, Rajinikanth and Anirudh Ravichander.

While the rest of the cast and crew are yet to be revealed, according to multiple reports, it's speculated that Priyanka Mohan (who was last seen in Sivakarthikeyan's Don) is a part of Thalaivar 169. Unconfirmed reports claim that she might play Rajinikanth's daughter. Also, we hear Ramya Krishnan and Vadivelu are likely to be a part of the supporting cast.

A report published by The Times of India states that Ramya Krishnan will be playing the antagonist in the film, which is said to also have Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, in an important role.

Additionally, although no confirmation has been made, a source had revealed to Cinema Express that director Nelson was planning to approach Kannada actor Shivarajkumar for a key role, in Thalaivar 169.

Further, speculations are abuzz that Rajinikanth is likely to collaborate with Gautham Menon. Vels Films International, which bankrolls the filmmaker's long-delayed Enai Nokki Paayum Thotta, has shown interest in backing this mega project, according to Cinema Express. If Gautham's film with the Superstar materialises, it will be the banner's fifth project with Gautham.

Rajinikanth was last seen in Siva's Annaatthe, which was also bankrolled by Sun Pictures.