Reports are rife that Kushbhu and Meena are in contention to play the female leads in Rajinikanth's next with director Siva, which is tentatively titled Thalaivar 168. Earlier, there were rumours that Jyotika, Manju Warrier and Keerthy Suresh are being considered for the lead roles in the film. An official announcement on this speculation is expected soon.

It was recently announced that D Imman, who collaborated with Siva for Viswasam will take up the composing duties of the Rajinikanth-starrer. 

Thalaivar 168 marks Rajinikanth's third film to be bankrolled by Sun Pictures after Enthiran and Petta.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is busy with his upcoming film, Darbar, which is directed by AR Murugadoss, and slated for a Pongal 2020 release. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, the first single, Chumma Kizhi, sung by the legendary SP Balasubrahmanyam, released yesterday and has been trending on social media.