While it was earlier reported that actor Vikram is in talks to play the prime antagonist in Rajinikanth's next with director TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim fame, it has been speculated now that actor Arjun has been attached to play the role in the film. It may be noted that Arjun and Rajini had previously shared screenspace in Yaar? and Periya Idathu Pillai, and the latter played cameos in both films. 

Interestingly, Arjun replaced Rajini to deliver a superhit with Shankar's political thriller Mudhalvan. The new Gnanavel film is said to revolve around a retired cop's fights against fake encounters and it is expected to be shot in a short span. The film is produced by Lyca Productions and has music by Anirudh Ravichander. 

Meanwhile, Rajini who is awaiting the release of Jailer, has also finished shooting for Lal Salaam, directed by his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth and co-starring Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth.