It's Raghuvaran instead of Big B

Veteran actor Raghuvaran has been signed by Director Shankar to play Rajinikanth's helpful boss in "Sivaji", which has already hit the floors under the banner of AVM.

Shankar has selected Raghuvaran for the role after he had approached Amitabh Bachchan, who declined the offer because of his hectic schedules.

Raghuvaran has been out of action for some time now. He is one of Shankar's preferred actors and Rajini's lucky 'mascot' playing opposite the superstar.

The Rajini-Raghuvaran combination in ''Basha" made the film a phenomenal success and is still being talked about highly.

Raghuvaran will be given a whole new-look in ''Sivaji" and director Shankar has sought the help of many hair and make-up artistes to do the job.

The veteran actor is joining the unit at Pune where the shooting the film has been going on. Scenes leading to the climax scene are being filmed now.

A folk dance with Rajini and Nayanthara was shot recently near a dam in Pune. As many as 5000 folk dance artistes were taken to Pune for taking part in this scene. This huge contingent included Mayilattam, Oyilattam and Karagattam artistes drawn from various parts of rural Tamil Nadu. The shooting of this dance sequence lasted three days. This dance number is said to be as fast-paced and tangy as ''Rendaka...Rendaka" in ''Anniyan."

The opening song introducing Rajini, which was filmed in Pune, was written by N. Muthukumar and rendered by S.P. Balasubramaniam. Nayanthara was reportedly featured in this song. (both Asin and Nayanthara are playing the lead roles opposite Rajini). Some dialogue scenes were also shot in a palatial bungalow which was taken on a daily rent of Rs. 3 lakh!

Raghuvaran is expected to join the unit after the shooting resumes in Pune around Nov.15 after a break.

Shankar plans to shoot a song sequence or an important scene of "Sivaji" in Japan, where Rajini has a huge fan following. A few scenes are planned to be shot in the US also.

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Sivaji - The Boss