Shankar holding talks with Rajini on 'Robot'

Director Shankar has zeroed in on superstar Rajinikanth for his dream project "Robot" after Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan backtracked on his commitment to produce and act in the film.

According to Kollywood sources, it is almost certain that the project will come through with Rajinikanth and an official announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations of the 2007 topper "Sivaji: the boss".

"Sivaji" was by far the most successful venture of AVM starring Rajini directed by Shankar.

Soon after its release Shankar wanted to take up his pet project "Robot" as he had already gone through the preliminaries after Shah Rukh Khan had given his nod to act and produce the film under SRK's home banner Red Chillies. But the project had to be dropped for some unavoidable reasons and this was confirmed by both Shankar and SRK.

Shankar, however, has not given up his hope and continued to score for a national star of SRK's stature. With "Sivaji" becoming a phenomenal success, Shankar has approached Rajini. And it seems his relentless pursuit and efforts have come to fruition. He is said to have had narrated the story to Rajini. The first round of talks is over. Shankar is reportedly confirmed that further deliberations are under way.

"Robot", a sci-fi venture, will be produced jointly by Mumbai-based Eros International and Ayngaran International. Producer A.M. Ratnam is believed to have helped bring about this collaboration in production through mediation.

Sources also say that with his clout in Mumbai, Shankar is making efforts to get the latest Bollywood sensation, Deepika Padukone, to play the heroine in "Robot".

Whatever the composition of the crew, A.R. Rahman will be the music director for the film as Shankar has already confirmed.