Actor Prateik Babbar, known for Bollywood films like Ekk Deewana Tha and Dhobi Ghaat, has been signed to play the antagonist in Rajinikanth’s next, titled Darbar.

The project, directed by AR Murugadoss, will feature Rajinikanth as a cop after 25 years.

“It is such a dream come true to have bagged this project in such little time. This year is looking very positive for me and Sanya (Sagar) has been such a great influence on my life professionally and personally,” the actor said in a statement.

“I can’t wait to commence shooting with Rajinikanth sir and AR Murugadoss sir this week and create some magic,” he added.

The project, which was tentatively titled “Thalaivar 167”, features Nayanthara as the female lead. The actor has previously worked with Rajinikanth in Kuselan, Chandramukhi, and Sivaji.

It was earlier reported that director-turned-actor SJ Suryah would be playing the villain in this film and that Nivetha Thomas has been signed to play Rajinikanth's daughter.  However, these reports were later rubbished by Rajinikanth's spokesperson.

Santosh Sivan helms the camera for a Rajinikanth film for the first time since Mani Ratnam's Thalapathy, and Anirudh Ravichander is in charge of the music of this film, that is scheduled to hit the theatres for Pongal, next year.