"Deepika Padukone has been confirmed as heroine in Kochadaiyaan," film unit sources said.

Deepika Padukone had been earlier cast opposite Rajnikanth in his 'Rana,' since suspended after he fell sick on the first day of the film's sets last year.

However, the superstar's younger daughter Soundarya gave his die-hard fans, who had performed special poojas and prayers for his recovery from a reported kidney ailment, cause for cheer by announcing she would direct her father in 'Kochadaiyaan,' believed to be a period flick.

The movie has already garnered attention with its first look, a still with Rajnikanth sporting six-pack, beard and a yogi-like hairdo, setting off anticipation about the movie among cine-buffs.