It is known that director Shankar has a script ready for his Aparichitudu star Vikram. When any other biggie is making a film, the hype begins and ends with talking about the hero. With Shankar, the gossip doesn't die down with the announcement of the hero’s name. It slides into the endless talking about who is the heroine.

So it is the case with his next film too. The news is that he may cast Deepika Padukone with Vikram. Though an official confirmation from the makers is awaited, it is being said by sources in Chennai and Mumbai that Deepika has almost been finalized in the director’s mind.

If she bags the film, Deepika can hope to improve her popularity base in South India. The movie will be a tri-lingual (Tamil, Telugu and Hindi), with music by AR Rehman. Like Kochadaiyaan, this untitled flick may make Deepika a force to reckon with in the South.