Rajinikanth's much-expected Sivaji hit the floors today at Hyderabad.

The movie, being produced by AVM, is their 168th venture, and brings titans of the industry Shankar and Rajinikanth together.

It will be Rajini's ninth film with AVM banner and Shankar's ninth film as a director over all.

The film is also important as it is Rajini's next film after the stupendous success of Chandramukhi and Shankar's next project after that record breaking Anniyan.

While Shreya plays Rajini's heroine, the movie has Vivek besides rumors that Malayalam hero Mohanlal will be acting in an important role.

A R Rehman scores the music while K V Anand cranks the camera.

The shooting commenced at a huge set erected at Ramoji Rao Studio in Hyderabad and a song sequence was being shot.

The movie is expected for Deepavali release next year.