'Thala 57:' Vijay Sethupathi to play villain in Ajith-starrer?

Vijay Sethupathi, who was said to be playing the role of a baddie in Ajith Kumar's next film, which is presently referred to as "Thala 57," is reportedly not doing the film. According to a Times of India report, the actor is not part of the project.

"We were never in talks with Vijay Sethupathi. The rumours are totally baseless," the newspaper quotes a source as saying. Meanwhile, Anushka Shetty has been approached to play the female lead in the forthcoming Tamil movie. The source adds that the talks are on and the "Arundhati" actress is yet to sign on the dotted lines as she is still deciding on the dates for the shooting. Anushka Shetty had earlier paired up with Ajith in Gautham Menon's "Yennai Arindhaal."

It was also being speculated that Ritika Singh of "Irudhi Suttru" fame was offered a key role in "Thala 57." However, it is now confirmed that she is not going to be part of the project.

"Thala 57" is written and directed by Siruthai Siva, who had earlier worked with Ajith in the hit films "Veeram" and "Vedalam." The latest film is bankrolled by Sathyajyothi Films.

The Tamil movie, which reportedly features Anirudh Ravichander's music, was supposed to take off on May 1 on the occasion of Ajith's birthday. But the actor reportedly suggested some changes in the script, causing delay in the plans. The regular shooting is expected to begin in June.

The major part of "Thala 57" will be shot in the United States and Europe. The makers have plans to release the movie in January 2017.