Ranjith First, Shankar Next for Rajinikanth

Pa Ranjith teaming up with Rajinikanth has come as a huge surprise for fans as they had expected the superstar to work with Shankar and the news of the "Madras" director, a young filmmaker, working with Rajini seemed strange.

Rumour has it that the deal between Rajinikanth and Pa Ranjith took place all of a sudden. As Shankar's movie is expected to take time and pre-production work alone will most likely be completed around January 2016, Rajinikanth opted for Ranjith's flick.

Rajinikanth - who has done only two films in the last five years - was not keen on wasting his time and was waiting for the right script that could be materialised in a short timespan. Therefore, when Pa Ranjith's script was offered to him, the superstar was elated.

The untitled movie will take off soon, according to the buzz. It is reportedly a gangster movie and will not be made in typical Rajini style, but as per the director's vision. Considering Pa Ranjith's earlier works, it can be said that the director loves realistic films. Hence, there is a lot of scope for acting and less importance will be given to masala elements.

Rumours suggest that the film - which is being produced by Kalaipuli S Dhanu - is likely to be completed in a short timespan and might release around Pongal 2016. Once this movie wraps up, Rajinikanth will move on to Shankar's movie.

The news of Pa Ranjith working with Rajinikanth was announced by director Dinesh on his Facebook page. He wrote, ""Blessings of God.. ‪#‎Ranjith sir doing Movie with ‪#‎Rajini sir.. Its Confirmed Kalakkunga Sir ‪#‎AttaKathi ‪#‎Madras."

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is looking to give a hit after facing back-to-back failures in the form of live-action animated movie "Kochadaiiyaan", directed by his daughter Soundarya, and "Lingaa", directed by KS Ravikumar.