Vicky Kaushal to star in Shankar's dream project 'Velpari'?
What's the story
Filmmaker Shankar is gearing up for his dream project, Velpari. While earlier reports suggested that Ranveer Singh might lead the project, it now seems that Vicky Kaushal could be a co-lead. Valai Pechu reports that Shankar and the makers are in talks with Kaushal for the film. The report also suggests Dhanush is almost confirmed to play a co-lead role in Velpari.
Role uncertainty
Dhanush asked to give 2-year call sheets to Shankar
While Dhanush is almost confirmed for the movie, the report states that Shankar has asked him to give call sheets for two years. The actor is yet to make a final decision. Velpari is based on the novel Veera Yuga Nayagan Vel Pari by Su Venkatesan and narrates how the Chera, Chola, and Pandya empires tried to dethrone tribal king Vel Paari.
Past project
Shankar's last film was 'Game Changer'
Shankar last directed the Ram Charan-starrer Game Changer, a political action drama about an honest IAS officer who takes on corruption and power abuse in the political system. The film, which also stars Kiara Advani and SJ Suryah, was released in theaters during Sankranti 2025 but received a lukewarm response from critics and audiences alike. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Future ventures
Updates on Kaushal and Dhanush's upcoming films
Kaushal will next be seen in Love & War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Meanwhile, Dhanush will lead the film Kara, directed by Vignesh Raja. The film, which also stars Mamitha Baiju, is set to release in theaters on April 30. Shankar had previously announced a sequel to Kamal Haasan's Indian 2, titled Indian 3, but there's no recent update about its release.