2018 looks very exciting for A.R Rahman, who has signed a variety of films - ranging from star-studded, mega budget projects to experimental flicks with novel themes.

On Monday, it was confirmed that he has signed Sivakarthikeyan’s next film, a science-fiction drama with director Ravi Kumar, known for helming the science-fiction comedy Indru Netru Naalai. The announcement was made through an official poster that Rahman is on board the project which will hit the screens in 2019.

Speaking at a public event in Coimbatore last week, Sivakarthikeyan confirmed the news about the project. “It is true that I’m doing a science-fiction film and we will make sure it will appeal to all kinds of audiences.”

Siva is currently shooting for a rural-based comedy entertainer with director Ponram, who had earlier directed Rajini Murugan. This project also stars Samantha Akkineni, who specially learnt silambam to essay her role.

According to industry sources, director Ravi Kumar has been working on the film’s pre-production for over a year now. He hopes to commence shooting from summer 2018 and wrap up the project by the year-end. There were rumours at one point that the project was shelved. During the promotions of Velaikkaran, Sivakarthikeyan told reporters: “The delay in commencement is due to exhaustive research work for the project. I told Ravi that he can go work on another film and come back when I’m done with all my existing commitments. But he insisted that he will work on the pre-production and keep everything ready by the time I’m ready to join.”

Siva was last seen playing a blue-collared worker in Mohan Raja’s Velaikkaran, which has reportedly grossed over Rs. 50 crore from Tamil Nadu and has done good business in other key areas as well. In the film, Siva played a crusader against food adulteration and it also featured Nayanthara and Fahadh Faasil in crucial roles.

(Content provided by Digital Native)