Veteran Tamil filmmaker J. Mahendran has been signed on to play the antagonist in Tamil superstar Vijay's next film, which is tentatively titled "Vijay 59" and is being directed by Atlee.
"Director Mahendran has been finalised as the film's villain. Unlike regular villains, this will be a very interesting role. He is expected to join the sets soon," a source from the film's unit told.
The source also added that the role was initially offered to two other veteran directors, who turned down the offer.
Mahendran, 75, is known for helming Tamil classics such as "Mullum Malarum", "Uthiripookkal" and "Johnny".
Vijay is said to be playing a police officer in the film, which also features Amy Jackson and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead roles.