‘Mankatha’ is special to Ajith in more than one ways. It is his 50th film, his first multistarrer after becoming a top actor and he is joining hands with his longtime friend Venkat Prabhu and the high profile Dhayanidhi Alagiri for the first time.

To keep himself fit to the role, the Thala has been regularly practicing at a gym of late, we learn. “Though Ajith always gives importance to workouts, he is taking extra care this time for Mankatha,” circles close to him say.

They add: “Ajith is spending his mornings and evenings in the gym these days. He is set to stun his fans and critics alike with a new look in this film, as the story and his character demand one. In short, he is getting ready for the game.”

With the likes of Nagarjuna, Premji Amaran and Neetu Chandra playing pivotal roles, the pooja of ‘Mankatha’ was held in Chennai last week. “Plans are to release the film as a summer 2011 treat,” says Venkat Prabhu.