Prithviraj is trying to be different on a villain role for a second time and also because of a big reason--one which every actor in India considers as a worthy one- Mani Ratnam.

Though he entered Kollywood playing a villain in 'Kana Kanden', hit films like 'Paarijatham', 'Mozhi' and 'Vellithirai' have now given him an image of a soft hero.

Mainstream actors usually won't try doing a villain role and damage their image of a hero that they have attained after much hard work.

Prithviraj is said to be the first choice to act as the villain in Mani Ratnam's new untitled film starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai and Vikram.

News is that Mani Ratnam has almost finalized Prithviraj to play the villain role. And when it is a Mani Ratnam film, little do actors care whether it's the hero, the villain or the supporting role.

Remember Mammootty, who was in a lead supporting cast in Mani Ratnam's 'Thalapathy', which gave a big landing to the actor in Tamil.

Seems Prithviraj is also expecting some thing similar or better than that through this Mani Ratnam flick.