The pre-production for Vijay’s next film with Atlee started yesterday, with the construction of the sets. The production designer, Muthuraj confirmed this with a tweet and photograph from his Twitter handle. It is said that the shooting for the film will commence in January, with a Diwali release being planned by the makers.

Produced by AGS Entertainment, Thalapathy 63, as the film is commonly referred to, is Vijay’s third film with Atlee after Theri and Mersal. Nayanthara, who last worked with the actor in the 2009 film Villu, has been roped in to play the female lead. Thalapathy 63 will have music by AR Rahman and cinematography by GK Vishnu, with most of the Mersal crew being retained.

Interestingly, aside from a special appearance in Rajinikanth’s Sivaji, this is the first time Nayanthara and Rahman will be collaborating on a feature film. The Imaikka Nodigal actor recently worked with the composer on the World Hockey Cup anthem.