Actor Deepika Padukone has just been confirmed to play the lead opposite Tamil superstar Rajinikanth in his new movie Kochadaiyaan. The confirmation comes from Soundarya Ashwin, Rajinikanth's daughter and the director of the film. "Guys. Deepika padukone confirmed to play appa s pair in Kochadaiyaan :) great to have you back with us @deepikapadukone :):) big hug!" she has posted on Twitter.

Kochadaiyaan is a 3D film, which is expected to be shot with motion capture. So far, the confirmed cast of the film includes Rajinikanth, R. Sarathkumar and now Deepika Padukone. Oscar winner A R Rahman will compose the music. Earlier, Katrina Kaif was reportedly in the running for the coveted role opposite the superstar lovingly hailed as the Thalaivar by fans. Soundarya did post on Twitter that she was indeed in talks with Katrina, but there was no confirmation.

Deepika will keep her fingers crossed for this one, since her earlier chance to work with Rajinikanth never took off. That film, Rana, a lavish period film, was postponed indefinitely when Rajinikanth fell ill on the very first day of the shoot in April last year. He then took treatment for a kidney ailment in India and Singapore.

Unconfirmed reports said Rana would be revived after Kochadaiyaan. Shooting for Kochadaiyaan began on January 28. "Great moment and day flowers aarti coconut breaking puja and my husband super star on make up chair cheers to kochadayaan thankyou god," posted Latha Rajinikanth, wife of the superstar, on Twitter. The first look of Kochadaiyaan was released on Sunday. Age is no bar for the superstar as at 61, the first look shows his spectacular six-pack abs.