Salman Khan ’s upcoming film with director Vamshi Paidipally is slowly becoming one of the most talked-about big-ticket projects currently in development, and now fresh reports suggest the makers are trying to lock in a major actor for the antagonist’s role. According to the latest buzz surrounding the film, both Fahadh Faasil and Akshaye Khanna are reportedly being considered to play the villain in the movie, which is tentatively being referred to as SVC63.
The project already grabbed attention because it marks Salman Khan’s first-ever collaboration with Nayanthara, while also bringing him together for the first time with producer Dil Raju and Vamshi Paidipally. Since the announcement, curiosity around the film has remained high, especially because the team appears to be building it as a large-scale commercial entertainer designed for an Eid 2027 release.
Now the biggest discussion seems to be around who will stand opposite Salman as the main antagonist. Reports claim the filmmakers want someone with enough screen presence and acting strength to match Salman in intense confrontation scenes. Apparently, both Fahadh and Akshaye are being seriously discussed internally, but the team has not rushed the decision because each actor would bring a completely different energy to the role.
And honestly, that difference is exactly what makes this casting speculation interesting. Fahadh Faasil has become known for playing psychologically layered, unpredictable, and deeply unsettling characters across Malayalam and pan-Indian cinema. Whether it’s subtle menace or explosive intensity, Fahadh usually brings a quiet realism to villains that feels dangerous without needing exaggerated theatrics. After performances in films like Pushpa: The Rise and Aavesham, audiences now expect something completely unique whenever he enters a commercial mass film.
Akshaye Khanna, on the other hand, brings a very different kind of intimidation. His strength has always been controlled dialogue delivery, intelligence, sarcasm, and emotionally cold performances. Over the years, he quietly built a reputation for becoming one of Bollywood’s strongest supporting and negative-role performers. Films like Race, Mom, and Drishyam 2 showed how effective he can be when playing morally grey or calculating characters.
Reports also suggest that the makers earlier considered Arvind Swamy for the antagonist role before shifting focus toward Fahadh and Akshaye. That itself hints the film may be looking for a mature, performance-heavy villain rather than a younger action-oriented rival.
According to the current production updates, the first shooting schedule has already been completed, while upcoming schedules are expected to take place in Manali and Hyderabad. The Hyderabad portion reportedly includes major face-off sequences between Salman and the eventual antagonist, which is why the team is now eager to finalize the casting decision before filming moves there.
The project is also expected to include a strong supporting cast. Rajpal Yadav has reportedly been brought onboard to play Salman’s trusted companion or “right-hand man” in the story. His role is expected to add humor and emotional chemistry throughout the narrative, something Salman’s commercial entertainers often rely on heavily.
Interestingly, Salman Khan himself recently hinted at why the film was announced so early despite releasing in 2027. Through social media, the actor suggested audiences should think long-term and promised more updates about his other projects when the timing feels right. That statement instantly fueled speculation that the actor is carefully rebuilding his lineup after the disappointing response to Sikandar.
Directed by A. R. Murugadoss and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, Sikandar failed to create the box office impact many expected from a Salman Khan Eid release. Because of that, there is now extra pressure on the actor’s next few films to reconnect strongly with audiences.
At the same time, Salman is also preparing for Maatrubhumi, previously known as Battle of Galwan, which is based on the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers. That project was initially expected to arrive earlier, but reports suggest its release has now been postponed.
As for SVC63, the final villain casting may end up becoming one of the film’s biggest talking points. Both Fahadh Faasil and Akshaye Khanna are actors capable of dominating scenes even opposite major superstars, and that kind of balance is extremely important for large-scale commercial cinema now. Modern audiences no longer want weak one-dimensional villains simply existing to glorify the hero. And honestly, whichever actor finally lands the role could end up becoming one of the strongest reasons audiences get excited for the film beyond Salman Khan himself.
