Malayalam actor Chemban Vinod Jose has denied being a part of Rajinikanth-starrer Darbar. Shooting for the AR Murugadoss directorial is progressing in Mumbai, with Nayanthara recently joining the sets.
Reports regarding Chemban’s participation as the antagonist in the film began doing the rounds when the actor posted a fan-made poster of Darbar on his Facebook account. Speaking to the Malayalam media yesterday, Chemban said that people had assumed he was part of the film because of his post, and the rumours were completely baseless. He deleted the post after learning that it was fan-made.
He spoke to The Cue, and said, “Brother, I heard the news too. I don’t know who cooked it up. I am looking forward to watching this film just like everyone else. I had shared on my FB page a fan-made poster of the film which I removed later. That’s my sole connection to this project. So far no one has offered me any role in this movie.”
The actor and screen-writer, known for Amen, Tamaar Padaar, Sapthamashree Thaskaraha, and Ee Ma Yu, is currently busy shooting for Puzhi Kkadakan at Pala. He plays the role of a havildar named Samuel in the film, directed by Gireesh Nair, co-written by him and Unni Malayil.
Meanwhile, Bollywood actors Prateik Babbar, Pradeep Kabra and Jatin Sarna recently joined Darbar. Prateik, who starred in Dhobi Ghat, plays the principal antagonist in the film, and will be seen with Pradeep, who is known for his comic-villain roles.
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Earlier, reports suggested SJ Suryah would play the antagonist, and director John Mahendran was part of the cast. But the spokesperson for the film said nothing had been finalised as yet.
Reports speculate that Rajinikanth has a dual role in the film – as father and son. The first look poster also confirmed that he plays a police officer. Leaked pictures released from the shoot recently featured Yogi Babu and Nivetha Thomas, confirming their presence. Nivetha Thomas is likely to play Rajini’s daughter in the film.
Cinematographer Santosh Sivan is working with Rajinikanth on this film, 27 years after Thalapathy. Music is by Anirudh Ravichander. Sreekar Prasad is the editor, and T Santhanam the art director, Ram-Lakshman are the stunt directors. The film is being bankrolled by Lyca Productions.
Darbar began shoot in Mumbai on April 10, and is scheduled for a 2020 release.
Image Courtesy: The Hindu