National Award-winner Fahadh Faasil is set to make his Telugu cinema debut with Allu Arjun's upcoming film, Pushpa. Fahadh will play the antagonist in the Sukumar directorial, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna. 

Announcing this news on social media through the film's accounts, the makers said, "Welcoming Fahadh Faasil on board for the biggest face-off."

Incidentally, this role was initially supposed to be played by Vijay Sethupathi, who had to opt out of the film owing to date issues. 

Pushpa, backed by Mythri Movie Makers, is set in the backdrop of red sandal smuggling in Seshachalam forests. With music by Devi Sri Prasad, Pushpa marks the third feature film collaboration between Sukumar and Allu Arjun after their Arya films. 

Pushpa will be released in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada on August 13.

Meanwhile, Fahadh has an impressive line-up of films in Malayalam, including the likes of Malik, Irul, Thankam, Joji, Malayan Kunju and Paattu, in various stages of production.