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 Rakul Preet, who was last seen as the political analyst, Vaanathi, in Selvaraghavan's NGK, is in talks with the makers to play one of the female leads in Thalapathy 64. The Spyder actor has apparently expressed her desire to work with Vijay several times in the past. “I love his dancing skills, I love his natural performances. He is stylish and dashing from his first film to now. He looks the same and I really want to work with him," she has been quoted as saying in a recent interview. 

The film's cinematography will be handled by Sathyan Sooryan, while the editing responsibilities go to Philomin Raj, The stunt direction and the art direction is by ‘stunt’ Silva and Satheesh Kumar, respectively/ The rest of the cast and crew are yet to be finalised.  

Names like Raashi Khanna, Kabir Singh-fame Kiara Advani, and Rashmika Mandanna are being speculated to play the female lead in the film, which will be produced by Xavier Britto.

Rumours are also rife that Angamaly Diaries-fame Antony Varghese had been roped in to play a pivotal role with negative shades in the film. Arjun's name has also been making the rounds with reference to the film's antagonist.

Vijay's upcoming release Bigil, directed by Atlee, will hit the screens during Diwali weekend.