Vijay to step into a role written for Mahesh Babu?

Is Tamil superstar Vijay stepping into a role originally written for Tollywood darling Mahesh Babu in mind? If the buzz in the grapevine is any indication to go by, this is precisely the case. The project that film-maker Vamsi Paidipally is set to helm could well mark the entry of Vijay into Tollywood. Tentatively christened Thalapathy 66, Vamsi Paidipally had originally written the story keeping Mahesh Babu in mind.

Given that he had collaborated with Mahesh Babu Maharshi, the national award-winning social drama, Vamsi Paidipally was hopeful of an aye from Mahesh Babu and the duo was in talks for another project. But this was not to be. Mahesh Babu did not like the story as he felt the plot was similar to some of his earlier ventures and turned down the project.

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From Mahesh to Vijay

Vamsi Paidipally in turn took the same project to Vijay. The filmmaker also tweaked the script around a bit to suit Vijay’s image as well as the language sensibilities in this Telugu-Tamil bilingual. The changes and his characterisation so much impressed Vijay that he readily agreed to star in this venture. A little birdie also hinted that Vijay could laugh his way to the bank with a cheque for ₹100crore that Tollywood producer Dil Raju is set to foot, but there is no official word on it.

Vamsi Paidipally incidentally had dropped broad hints that he was collaborating with Vijay in a recent media interaction. This will also mark the first time that the Filmfare awardee for Oopiri will be seen helming a bilingual project. Reports indicate that the filming of this yet-untitled film is likely to start in January 2022.

Vijay presently is occupied with the shooting for his upcoming film Beast in Delhi. Nelson Dhilipkumar is directing the film that is produced by Sun Pictures. Mahesh Babu on the other hand will be seen in Sarkaru Vaari Paata that Parasuram has directed with Keerthy Suresh as his leading lady. This film is slated for release sometime during Dasara. Mahesh Babu will also feature in a pan-India project Jana Gana Mana that Puri Jagannadh is helming. This film is expected to hit the theatres on December 21, 2021.