14 May,2026 11:19 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Riya Shibu and Chiyaan Vikram (Pics/Instagram)
The makers of director Anand Shankar upcoming action entertainer, tentatively being referred to as Chiyaan 63 and featuring actor Vikram in the lead, on Wednesday announced that actress Riya Shibu had come onboard the unit of the film. The Malayalam film actress made her debut last year with the blockbuster film Sarvam Maya alongside Nivin Pauly. She played a friendly ghost named Delulu.
Taking to its X timeline to make the announcement, Sathya Jyothi Films, which is producing the film, wrote, "Adding fuel to the FLAME. Casting update on Chiyaan 63. Delulu riyashibu_ on board! A film by anandshank, on floors soon."
After Riya's casting in the film was announced, netizens pointed out the massive age gap between the two actors. While Riya is all of 21, Vikram is 60. The 39-year-old age gap between the two leads did not sit well with several citizens. The pattern of older male actors romancing younger actress is not new but it often gets called out. However, the equation between Riya and Vikram's characters in the film has not been unveiled yet.
However, netizens have expressed their displeasure at the massive age gap. A netizen pointed out that Vikram's son Dhruv is also older than Riya. "Why small girls bro? Previously @mirnaliniravi and now this girl," mentioned another X user.
The film's story has been written by director Anand Shankar himself and is to be produced by Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thyagarajan. The film will have music by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by R D Rajasekar. Production design for the film is by Rajeevan while dialogues are by Shan Karuppusamy. The film will have editing by Raymond Derrick Crasta and art direction by Surya Rajeevan. Costumes for the film are by Poornima Ramaswamy.
It may be recalled that IANS had reported in March this year that Anand Shankar would be directing actor Vikram's next film. One of India's finest actors, Vikram, fondly called 'Chiyaan' Vikram by his fans, had in February this year announced that he was to do four films with directors that he deeply admired.
Taking to his Instagram page to make the announcement, Vikram had said, "Sometimes silence is preparation. I spent this year waiting for stories that moved me. Grateful to now begin four films, each very different, with directors I deeply admire. I can't wait to share these journeys with you. Anban, Chiyaan!"
Sources close to the actor had then confirmed to IANS that one of the four films that Vikram was referring to would be with director Anand Shankar.
