Ranjith says no to Deepika Padukone in Rajini's next

There were widespread rumours of late that Deepika Padukone would be the heroine of Superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming film, which is to be directed by Pa Ranjith.

However, the Kabali director has dismissed the news as mere rumor and said that there is no truth in this fake news.

To be produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films, this Ranjith directed film is likely to be shot in Mumbai backdrop, sources said.

Earlier, it was said that was in talks with Bollywood actress Vidya Balan to play the female lead in the movie.

"The makers of the film met Vidya Balan recently, and had finalised her as the lead. However, they are still working on the dates, and only then the official agreement would be signed," sources said last month.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is wrapping up his much-awaited sci-fi thriller 2.0.

Kabali was among the most successful Indian films of 2016 in which Rajinikanth played an ageing don based in Malayasia. It was directed by Ranjith, who is set to direct the spin-off as well.