Actor Prateik Babbar will be essaying the role of villain in south superstar Rajinikanth's next "Darbar".

The project, to be directed by AR Murugadoss, will feature Rajinikanth as a cop after 25 years. It will be the first time Prateik is working with the superstar and the filmmaker.

"It is such a dream come true to have bagged this project in such little time. This year is looking very positive for me and Sanya (Sagar) has been such a great influence on my life professionally and personally," the actor said in a statement.

Also read: Rajinikanth's Darbar shoot begins today with formal pooja

"I can't wait to commence shooting with Rajinikanth sir and AR Murugadoss sir this week and create some magic," he added.

The project, which was tentatively titled "Thalaivar 167", also features Nayanthara as the female lead. The actor has previously worked with Rajinikanth in "Kuselan", "Chandramukhi" and "Sivaji".

Murugadoss had last week shared the first look of "Darbar" which marks his maiden collaboration with Rajinikanth.

The poster was decked up with police instruments and equipments, with the punchline, "You decide whether you want to be good, bad or worse." 

The film is backed by Lyca Productions, the banner which was also behind Rajinikanth's science-fiction and action flick "2.0".

Also read: Darbar first look: Celebs go gaga over Rajinikanth, no surprise

Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music for the movie whereas Santosh Sivan will serve as the cinematographer. Sreedhar Prasad will be editing the film.

The film recently went on floors and is expected to release on Pongal, 2020.

Prateik will also be seen in Nitesh Tiwari's "Chhichhore", Mahesh Manjrekar's "Power" and Anubhav Sinha's "Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai". The actor also has a web series in his kitty and it is expected to release later this year.