Rajni, Shankar, AVM team up for 'Shivaji'

Chennai, Aug 19: Rajnikath's next movie "Shivaji" will be produced by AVM under the direction of Shankar, it was formally announced on Friday (Aug.19).

This will be AVM's 168th venture. "Shivaji" will be the ninth AVM's film in which Rajnikanth will be acting. This is also the first film from AVM to be directed by Shankar whose latest film "Anniyan" featuring Vikram, has proved a big hit. In short, the trio of Rajni, AVM and Shankar are coming together for the first time.

Incidentally it will also be Shankar’s ninth directorial venture - a fact Rajni considers as significant as the superstar's lucky number is also said to be 'nine'. Rajini is reported to have told Shankar that 'Nine" would prove lucky for both of them.

AVM’s announcement came around 2 p.m. on Friday, ending lots of speculation about Rajni's next project. According to rumors in film circles, K.S. Ravikumar or P. Vaasu would direct his next movie.

What gave rise to these speculative stories was that Rajni had been silent about his next plan even three months after the release of "Chandramukhi". And Vaasu's name came to be repeatedly mentioned in film circles as "Chandramukhi" directed by Vaasu, was a phenomenal success. It has completed 130 days and is still running to full house in many places.

Why was the film titled "Shivaji"? Thespian Sivaji Ganesan made his debut in “Parasakthi” which was produced by AVM. So, AVM's 68th film has been named as "Shivaji" in honor of his memory. Interestingly, the real name of Rajni is Shivaji Rao.

Shankar is now busy doing the screenplay for the movie. He nor the producers, AVM'' have not yet announced the names of the actress playing opposite Rajni and the rest of the cast, and technicians.

AVM productions had announced last month that its 167th film would have Ajith in the lead.