The first schedule of Darbar has wrapped up in Mumbai. Rajinikanth, Nayathara, director Murugadoss and others will start shooting the second schedule in Chennai after a week’s break.
Meanwhile, word has spread that Rajinikanth plays an encounter specialist in the film. A source close to the film told Deccan Chronicle, “The film comprises action, thrill and drama. And, Rajiinikanth probably plays a role of an encounter specialist.” Important action sequences were shot in this schedule and a body double was used for Rajini’s heavy-duty fight scenes. The main set of an investigation room was reportedly erected at St Xavier’s College in Mumbai, and shooting also took place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Royal Palms, Film City and other locations.
The film’s spokesperson has maintained that nothing concrete can be said as yet about the scope of Rajinikanth’s role.
It was reported earlier that Rajinikanth is likely to be seen in a dual role, and the first-look poster, which released on April 9, confirmed that he plays a cop in the film.
Here We Go! #Thalaivar167 #Darbar@rajinikanth @ARMurugadoss #Nayanthara @anirudhofficial @santoshsivan @sreekar_prasad pic.twitter.com/cjmy4gQJjy
— Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) April 9, 2019
Actor Dalip Tahil recently joined the cast of Darbar. He reportedly plays a senior officer and Rajini’s aide in taking on a gang of goons in Mumbai. The two actors last shared screen space in the 1995 crime film Aatank Hi Aatank.
Bollywood actors Prateik Babbar, Pradeep Kabra and Jatin Sarna are already part of the cast. Nayathara stars as the female lead, and Keerthy Suresh may also be seen in the film. She was in Mumbai recently to work on her Bollywood debut with Ajay Devgn.
Leaked pictures released from the Darbar sets featured Yogi Babu and Nivetha Thomas, confirming their presence in the film. Nivetha Thomas is likely to play Rajini’s daughter in the film.
The rest of the team comprises cinematographer Santosh Sivan, who is working on a Rajinikanth film 27 years after Thalapathy. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Sreekar Prasad is the editor, T Santhanam the art director, and Ram-Lakshman are the stunt directors.
The film is being bankrolled by Lyca Productions. It is scheduled for a Pongal 2020 release.
