The latest buzz to rock Kollywood is that 'Thala' Ajith, whose 50th film ‘Mankatha’ is hitting the screens tomorrow, will be the protagonist of ace director Mani Ratnam's next project, which is set to start soon.

It is said that Mani recently visited Ajith on the sets of ‘Billa 2’ in Hyderabad and discussed the project with him. Ajith, it seems, is thrilled to work with Mani, who is one of the top filmmakers of India.

“The movie is set in the backdrop of the sea and would throw light on the lives of fishermen. Mani Ratnam has already roped in Rajeev Menon to wield the camera for the multi-crore film,” sources say.

A R Rahman is expected to compose music for this yet-to-be-titled film, which is to be produced by Mani's own banner, Madras Talkies. The director's wife, Suhasini, is assisting him in fine tuning the script, sources say, adding that the shooting would start by the end of this year, once Ajith completes ‘Billa 2’.