Rashmika Mandanna is reportedly in talks to play the lead with Vijay in Thalapathy 64, to be directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
However, the spokesperson for the film told Silverscreen, “Nothing for Vijay’s next has been confirmed.” Director Lokesh had earlier said, “I can’t reveal anything until an official announcement, but talks with Vijay are on.” He is said to have narrated a one-liner to Vijay that impressed him, and it is expected that the actor will likely give his nod. The director is now in talks with Rashmika, and wants to cast an actress who has not worked with Vijay before, reports Filmibeat.
In November last year, when the cast of Thalapathy 63, Vijay’s upcoming film with Atlee was being finalised, reports about Rashmika playing the lead began doing the rounds. It was later confirmed that Nayanthara would play the lead. Rashmika also clarified that she was not a part of the film but hoped to work with Vijay in the future.
??❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/gwk1R28th9
— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) November 27, 2018
Rashmika is currently awaiting the release of Dear Comrade in Telugu (the film will also release in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam) with Vijay Deverakonda. She has a huge following in Tamil, and had promised in November 2018 that she would make her Tamil debut soon. She announced her film with Remo director Bhagyaraj Kannan, co-starring Karthi. The movie went on floors in March and is currently under production. Latest reports say that Sultan is the title being considered, and an announcement will be made soon.
Meanwhile, Vijay, Atlee, Nayanthara and the Thalapathy 63 team are busy with the final 70-day shoot schedule that began in Chennai earlier this month. The film is an investigative thriller with a sports backdrop, and is lighter than Vijay’s previous films, the actor recently revealed. This is his third collaboration with Atlee after Theri and Mersal. Varsha Bolamma, Indhuja, Kathir, Jackie Shroff, Vivekh, Yogi Babu and others are said to have important roles.
AR Rahman is the music composer for the film, and Vivek the lyricist. The film is scheduled to release during Deepavali this year.
