For months, there have been speculations that director Anand Shankar, known for helming films like Arima Nambi and Iru Mugan, might next be joining hands with Vishal for a project. A source close to the unit now confirms that the film has been greenlit and the pre-production work is happening at full tilt.

This yet-to-be-titled project is said to be a slick action thriller, which will mostly be shot abroad. The makers are apparently in the process of finalising the cast and the crew. The source also adds that the makers are in search of a female lead and Ritu Varma of Pelli Choopulu fame is the frontrunner for the role. 

Vishal, who's currently shooting for Mysskin's Thupparivaalan 2 in London, also has Chakra with debutant Anand in the pipeline. It is said that the actor will start shooting for the Anand Shankar film after completing these two projects.

Ritu, on the other hand, will be seen next in the Vikram-starrer Dhruva Natchathiram and Dulquer Salman’s Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal.