Among the many unique and great qualities of superstar Rajinikanth, what stands out most is his liberal praise of other actors and actresses in Kollywood.

If Rajini happens to watch a good film on-screen, he never fails to get in touch with the director, the lead cast and others in expressing his appreciation. Rajini has the habit of surprising the artistes by inviting them to his residence and presenting them with unexpected gifts.

Rajini liked Kannada actor Sudeep’s performance in S.S. Rajamouli’s Naan Ee, one of the successful films last year. After watching the film, he telephoned Sudeep to congratulate him for his acting prowess. Sudeep couldn’t believe that it was Rajini at the other end. Though born in Karnataka, Sudeep has spent many years in Chennai and is very fluent in Tamil. A great fan of Rajini, he had never met or spoken to Rajini till the latter called him up after the release of Naan Ee.

K.S. Ravikumar, who assisted Soundarya in the maing of Kochadaiiyaan by penning the story, screenplay and dialogues besides supervising the debutant’s direction, has completed his part of the work. When he wanted to make another film, Rajini is said to have recommended Sudeep’s name to him. “Make use of him; he has awesome potential as an actor,” were the words reportedly uttered by Rajini to K.S. Ravikumar.

What would Ravikumar, a great fan of Rajini and a close family friend, do when Rajini himself recommends a hero? He readily agreed to Rajini’s suggestion and rang up Sudeep to say that he would be essaying not only the lead role but also the role of the villain in his next film. Sudeep got mighty excited and immediately agreed to star in the film.

The heroine, other technicians to work in the film and the film’s title haven’t yet been decided.