It's official. Vijay’s next film after Bigil will be directed by Maanagram and Kaithi director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Tentatively referred to as Thalapathy 64, the film's announcement poster was released today.

Now, we hear that Angamaly Diaries fame Antony Varghese has been roped in to play a pivotal role in the film. Reports also suggest that he will be playing a character with negative shades in the film.

Earlier, reports suggested that Action King Arjun, who was last seen as the smart and suave villain in Vishal's Irumbu Thirai, has been approached to play the antagonist in the film.

While it was earlier speculated that Raashi Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna might play the female leads, it now looks like the makers are very keen on roping in a Bollywood heroine for the project. Recent reports suggest that Kabir Singh-fame Kiara Advani, who recently made her Telugu debut in Ram Charan's Vinaya Vidheya Rama, is in talks for the role. 

Produced by Xavier Britto - who, incidentally, is also producing Lokesh's Kaithi -Thalapathy 64 has pretty much the same technical crew of Kaithi.

Anirudh has been signed to compose the music for the upcoming Vijay-starrer.

On the other hand, Bigil, Vijay's 63rd film helmed by Atlee, will hit the screens this Diwali. Apart from Vijay, the sports drama will feature Nayanthara, Indhuja, Varsha Bollamma, Amritha, and Reba Monica John.