There were rumours that Akshay Kumar would be part of Mahesh Babu and AR Murugadoss' directorial film. However, the director has now denied the reports. 

"Akshay Kumar is not playing the villain in Mahesh Babu's film. We did not approach him and it is just a rumour," AR Murugadoss told Behindwoods while reacting to the reports. It was said that Akki was signed to play the role of a baddie in the film.

Akshay Kumar is one of the favourite Bollywood actors of AR Murugadoss and this factor possibly paved way for the speculations. The "Holiday" actor, whose "Housefull 3" witnessed a flying start at the box office, is currently working with Rajinikanth in "2.0" aka "Endhiran 2."

Meanwhile, there are some reports that claim SJ Suryah, who is set to team up with Pawan Kalyan soon, would be playing the role of a baddie in the untitled film. The actor-turned-director is basking in the success of his latest Tamil flick "Iraivi," which has won critical appreciation.

Coming to AR Murugadoss' project, the movie will be simultaneously made in Tamil and Telugu. The film marks the debut of Mahesh Babu in Kollywood. The makers have plans to release the film next year.

Currently, Mahesh Babu is holidaying in London with his family. The shooting is expected to start after he returns to Hyderabad. 

The yet-to-be-titled flick has Santhosh Sivan's and Harris Jayaraj's music. AR Murugadoss is yet to finalise the heroine. However, the names of Shraddha Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra have been doing the rounds.