(This article is authored by Alar)

Superstar Rajinikanth has been in the outing with director Nelson Dilipkumar for the project that has been tentatively named 'Thalaivar 169'. In the midst of the huge expectations for the comeback after a setback over the movie Beast, Nelson Dilipkumar is carefully building the cards as he has taken the humongous task of directing the superstar himself. 

As the shooting is on the floors, Kollywood has been filled with a buzz over Nelson's pick to act as the younger version of Rajinikanth in the movie. In what has become a huge update, sources say that popular actor Sivakarthikeyan, who is also an ardent fan of the superstar, would be playing the young Rajinikanth in the movie. Though the official announcement is yet to be made, the update has left the fans agog. 

If this happens, it will be the first time that another actor plays for Rajini's younger version. It has been reported that the official announcement with his regard would be made during the second week of July. Kollywood insiders have said that Thalaivar 169 would revolve around the prison environment and speculations were rife that the movie would be titled 'Criminal'. 

Had Sivakarthikeyan been roped in, it would be the first time that he acted with Rajinikanth as the latter's younger version. It has been affirmed that Sivakarthikeyan would be penning songs for Thalaivar 169 and if the popular actor joins hands with his idol, it would be a spectacular moment of the year. Earlier, there were rumours that Rajinikanth wanted a change in the direction after a setback for Nelson from the movie Beast. However, Nelson asserted that he will definitely be directing Rajinikanth in his next movie. 

Thalaivar 169 would be bankrolled by Kalanithi Maran under his own banner Sun Pictures and while Rajinikanth plays the lead role, Shiva Rajkumar, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, and Redin Kingsley would be playing important roles. Anirudh would be composing the music and the movie team would be rolling out further updates during the second week of July.