Rajinikanth is going to be back in action soon, and the wait to see him on-screen could be less than a year! Ending more than six months of speculation over his next flick, it is now confirmed that actor Rajinikanth will star next in a Tamil period film titled Kochadaiyaan.
After acting in science-fiction flick Endhiran, his last film, it is now revealed that the superstar will feature next in this 3D film to be directed by his daughter Soundarya Ashwin, slated for an August 2012 release.
The film will use performance capturing technology, or motion capture, like Hollywood blockbusters Avatar and The Adventures of Tintin.
It is said to be for the first time that such technology is being used in India.
The title Kochadaiyaan refers to a king with matted hair (‘Ko’ meaning King, and ‘chadaiyaan’ meaning one with matted hair), said industry sources, hinting at the possibility of Rajini playing a king in the film.
Kochadaiyaan, incidentally, is also the first name of seventh century Pandya ruler Kochadaiyaan Ranadheeran, leading to speculation that Rajini could be reprising the role of this historic king.
The actor took ill on the launch day of his film Rana on April 30, and had flown to Singapore in May, for further treatment.
Despite a song and a few scenes being shot, Rana was believed to be junked, as the actor, still convalescing, would not be able to do a demanding triple role in a historic film.
It has now been revealed that Rajini will take up Rana after he finishes this film.
This announcement has come as a surprise to Rajini fans, who are unsure on why he will act in two consecutive period flicks.
Despite these similarities, the two are entirely different films, said a source.
Kochadaiyaan’s heroine and technicians are yet to be finalised, and shooting is expected to start soon.
Its story, screenplay and dialogues have been penned by filmmaker KS Ravikumar, who was supposed to direct Rajini in Rana.
He will also supervise the direction of the film, an official release said.
Dheera was the new title given to his animated film Sultan The Warrior, which is yet to see the light of day.