Vijay Sethupathi to play the antagonist in Mahesh Babu-Trivikram film?

Vijay Sethupathi, whose latest release was Kamal Haasan's Vikram, is in consideration to play the antagonist in Trivikram Srinivas's film, headlined by Mahesh Babu. Tentatively titled SSMB 28, the project has Pooja Hegde as the female lead.

According to sources, Vijay Sethupathi is the frontrunner to play the baddie. Apart from his performances, his soaring popularity among the Telugu people is also one of the reasons for the makers to consider him for the villain's role. Although Trivikram is yet to initiate negotiations with Vijay Sethupathi, we hear that the filmmaker will be meeting the actor as soon as he completes the script work. 

In addition, it is speculated that Fahadh Faasil and Prithviraj Sukumaran are being considered for the same role.

Produced by Haarika & Hassine Creations, SSMB 28, is expected to go on floors either by June end or July. It was said that the makers had considered Nandamuri Tarakaratna for the film, but the idea was dropped eventually, due to unknown reasons.

Vijay Sethupathi's last Telugu project was Uppena. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, a former protege of director Sukumar, the film marked the acting debut of Chiranjeevi's nephew, Panja Vaisshnav Tej.

On the other hand, Mahesh Babu was last seen in Sarkaru Vaari Paata. Despite the mixed reviews, the film enjoyed a good run at the box office.

Vijay Sethupathi, in an interview with Cinema Express had said, as an actor, he tries hard to be perceptive and even pays attention to the unsaid words, so that he changes his style of performance, according to the needs of the director.

Vijay Sethupathi believes he is able to stay rooted because he is natural with the people around him. “Even if you stand in front of the camera, you can communicate when you gain confidence over your innate nature. I feel that I can reflect what is natural and that the audience will sense it as well,” he told the Hindu.

Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi is awaiting the release of his long-delayed Maamanithan, directed by Seenu Ramasamy, which is scheduled to release in theatres on June 23. This film is Vijay Sethupathi’s fourth collaboration with Vijay Sethupathi after Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, Dharmadurai, and the yet-to-be-released Idam Porul Eval.