Gautham Menon to play the villain in Simbu's Pathu Thala? 

Director Gautham Menon, who has also starred in pivotal roles in recent Tamil films like Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal, Kodiyil Oruvan and Selfie, will next be seen in Silambarasan TR's upcoming film Pathu Thala. 

The film, also starring Gautham Karthik, is the official remake of the 2017 Kannada film, Mufti. Pathu Thala is helmed by Obeli N Krishna of Sillunu Oru Kaadhal fame who is a former associate of Gautham Menon. 

While there were speculations about Gautham's inclusion in the project, in a recent interview, the director confirmed that Gautham is on board and said that he has shot both his and Simbu's portions separately. He also confirmed that their combination scenes would be shot in the upcoming weeks. According to sources, Gautham will be playing the villain in Pathu Thala. While the director didn't confirm the speculation, he stated that he is curious to see both of them on the screen together. 

Interestingly, Gautham has directed Simbu in films like Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada and the upcoming Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, and the director has done cameo roles in his films starring the actor. 

Pathu Thala, produced jointly by Jayantilal Gada and KE Gnanavelraja, also stars Priya Bhavani Shankar as the female lead. Kalaiyarasan and Teejay Arunasalam will be seen in supporting roles. It has music by AR Rahman and cinematography by Farook J Basha. The film is scheduled to hit screens on December 14.