Draft:Thalapathy 69

Thalapathy 69 is tentative working title of an upcoming Indian Tamil-language film starring Vijay, in his final credited leading role.

Vijay announced the film in February 2024 under the tentative title Thalapathy 69, as it is his 69th film as the lead actor. He stated that the project would be his final one before entering politics. As he didn't state who the director was, various directors were reported to be the front-runners, including Karthik Subbaraj and Vetrimaaran. Principal photography is reported to commence after the actor completes his prior commitments.

Cast

 * Vijay

Development
Vijay, through his social media accounts on 2 February 2024, announced that he would make an entry to politics after finishing The Greatest of All Time (2024) and an untitled film, which was tentatively titled Thalapathy 69. The Times of India reported that the untitled venture would be directed by Karthik Subbaraj and produced by Sun Pictures, while Pinkvilla reported that the director was yet to be finalised, with Subbaraj, H. Vinoth and Atlee as the front-runners. Soon after, Vetrimaaran was reported to direct the project with D. V. V. Danayya's DVV Entertainment producing it. In mid March, however, the director confirmed that he would not direct the project during an award function. To which, Telugu-based director Trivikram Srinivas and Vinoth were reported to be the front-runners. Reports that claimed that Vinoth would direct the project became stronger.

Initially, Vinoth narrated a script to Vijay, when he was filming for Mersal (2017). The actor, however, declined the script and worked on Bigil (2019). Vinoth reportedly narrated the same script to Kamal Haasan which impressed the actor. Haasan finalised him as the director for his 233rd film; however, the project was shelved. Vinoth met Vijay again in February 2024 and narrated the same script to him again. The actor, who reportedly received ₹200 crore for The Greatest of All Time, was reported receive ₹50 crore more for his remuneration; making it inr 2500000000. Sathyan Sooryan was reported to have been chosen as the cinematographer, collaborating with Vinoth after Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017) and Vijay after Master (2021).

Casting
Samantha Ruth Prabhu was reportedly cast as the female lead, pairing opposite Vijay for the fourth time after Kaththi (2014), Theri (2016) and Mersal.