Vishal-SJ Suryah's Mark Antony launched with a puja; details inside

The shooting of Vishal's 33rd film, Mark Antony, commenced on May 5, following a traditional puja in Chennai. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the film is produced by Vinod Kumar of Mini Studios, who earlier bankrolled Vishal's Enemy.

Sources tell OTTplay, "Mark Antony will be shot at a single stretch from today. We are planning to shoot important scenes and a couple of songs first. Huge sets for the same to be erected, which would resemble the Madras of the 1970s."

Mark Antony has music by GV Prakash and SJ Suryah plays the antagonist.

Ritu Varma has been finalised to play the leading lady. Mark Antony also stars Sunil Verma and Nizhalgal Ravi in prominent roles.

Mark Antony will also be released in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi.

Interestingly, GV Prakash was initially roped in to play the lead role before director Adhik finalised Vishal. In April, there were speculations that Mark Antony would be shelved, after Vishal and Vinod Kumar parted ways, over a fight.

"Mark Antony is a period film that is set in different eras, all of which will have Chennai as the backdrop. Both Vishal and Suryah will be seen in new makeovers, something which the audience hasn’t seen in their previous films. One of the highlights would be a high-octane face-off between these two characters," says a report in DT Next.

In an interview with DT Next, GV Prakash has said, “I am glad to collaborate with Adhik yet again after Trisha Illana Nayanthara. He has been a good friend and our friendship has been reflected in the work we do. Moreover, I am looking forward to working with Vishal and Vinod Kumar as well. The fresh combination will raise expectations. It’s a new genre for me totally and a first in Tamil. In a way, it reminds me of the way I worked for Gangs Of Wasseypur’s music!"

Meanwhile, Vishal, on the acting front, has the cop drama Laththi Charge, co-starring Sunainaa. Adhik is expecting the release of his psycho-thriller Bagheera, starring Prabhudeva.