Thalapathy 69: Vijay cross swords with this Bollywood star in his next?

Speculation is growing that Bollywood actor Bobby Deol has been cast as the main antagonist in Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film, Thalapathy 69. While an official announcement is still awaited, industry insiders suggest that Deol's role in the project is all but confirmed.

If the rumours are true, Thalapathy 69 will mark Bobby Deol’s second venture into Tamil cinema. The actor has already been cast as the antagonist in the upcoming fantasy epic Kanguva, where he faces off against Suriya in the lead role.

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Bobby Deol's career transformation

Bobby Deol has undergone a significant career reinvention in recent years, gaining recognition for his compelling portrayals of negative characters across multiple film industries. His breakout performance as a villain came in last year’s Bollywood hit Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. In the film, Deol played a deaf and mute character with a violent streak, making a lasting impression on audiences despite limited screen time. Animal, which starred Ranbir Kapoor, was a major box-office success and re-established Deol as a versatile actor.

Deol has also been cast as the main antagonist in the upcoming Telugu historical drama Hari Hara Veera Mallu, starring Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan. In this film, he portrays the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Although production delays caused by Pawan's political commitments slowed the film’s progress, Hari Hara Veera Mallu is now set to release on March 28 next year.

Bobby Deol's role in Kanguva

In Kanguva, Deol plays a formidable warlord who serves as the primary rival to the titular character, Kanguva. Directed by Siva, Kanguva is one of Tamil cinema’s most expensive productions to date. The filmmakers are optimistic that Bobby Deol’s inclusion will help the film appeal to audiences in North Indian states, expanding its reach beyond South India.

Meanwhile, director H. Vinoth is gearing up to start production on Thalapathy 69 by the end of this week, according to reports.

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