Rajinikanth’s last film directed by Lingaa did not do well as it was expected to be. Now the superstar is teaming up with new age director Pa.Ranjith who had made two films Attakathi and Madras. The project is in the centre of all attention ever since it was announced officially.

First it was rumoured that Superstar Rajinikanth will not have a heroine in his upcoming project, directed by Ranjith. Then came the news that actress Vidya Balan was approached to play the female lead. However, now we learn that Radhika Apte has bagged the biggie. Besides the Lingaa actor, the film also stars Prakash Raj, Dinesh and Kalaiyarasan Harikrishnan in prominent roles.

Ahalya Actress ‘Radhika Apte’ confirmed for Rajini-Ranjith film:

A source told TOI, “Radhika Apte is on board for Rajini-Ranjith’s film. Everything is finalised, and she will be officially signing on the dotted line soon”. However, no official announcement has been made as of now.

Since Radhika is popular in Tollywood and Bollywood too, makers of the movie consider it as an added advantage. The film, to be shot in Malaysia and India, will be produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu. Shooting will get a kickstart next month.

Must Watch: Radhika Apte’s New Short Film ‘Ahalya’

Radhika Apte who has acted in various languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and Marathi is also shooting for an English flick titled Parched. Her latest short film “Ahalya” has become a hit and actress also received many accolades for her performance and portrayal of the character.

Rajinikanth to work with Radhika Apte in his next:

The 29 year old talented actress ventured into Tamil cinema through the 2012 Prakash Raj directorial Dhoni and then went on to act in All in All Azhagu Raja starring Karthi and Kajal Kajal Aggarwal in lead roles.

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There were also rumours that the film has been titled Kaali. Interestingly, director Ranjith’s favourite film is Mullum Malarum, in which Rajini’s character’s name is Kaali. However the source dismissed the rumours saying, “We are yet to finalise the title. But as of now, it’s not Kaali.”​

The story is said to be around the life of a gangster and the shooting is reported to begin form August. Santhosh Narayanan scores music while G Murali will be handling cinematography. Rajini has given 45-days call-sheet for the project.