(This article is authored by Alar)

Udhayanidhi formally declared that he would not be an actor in movies after he took his oath as Tamil Nadu Minister on December 14. Mamannan, his final film, is still a way off from being released. The latest development in Kollywood says, Udhayanidhi is replaced by a popular actor in the movie for which he signed a deal with 'Raaj Kamal Films International' (RKFI).

Reports indicate that Vijay Sethupathi will replace Udhayanidhi in the role he was set to play in Kamal's production. There will likely be a formal announcement made soon. The lastly released Kamal starrer Vikram, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Vijay Sethupathi portrayed the antagonist.

If the collaboration came true, this will be the second movie for Sethupathi under Raaj Kamal Films International after Vikram. The two have become close, with Kamal serving as the film's chief guest at the pre-release event of Sethupathi's latest film, DSP.  Udhayanidhi's previous film, "Nenjukku Needhi," was directed by Arunraja Kamaraj, who was widely speculated to be the director of the upcoming film, RKFI54.

The full crew and cast list, on the other hand, is expected to be released very soon. Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movie had distributed the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial, and is now co-producing Ulaganayagan's Indian 2 as well. The film Maamannan was directed by Mari Selvaraj, who also directed Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan. Maamannan stars Udhayanidhi and Keerthy Suresh, with Vadivelu and Malayalam big star Fahadh Faasil also playing important parts.