Actor-producer Riya Shibu has been cast opposite Vikram in Chiyaan 63, her first Tamil acting role after backing his Veera Dheera Sooran – Part 2. Directed by Anand Shankar, the film’s promo hints at Vikram as a chef with a hidden gangster identity. The project, mounted by Sathya Jyothi Films, reunites Vikram with composer Santhosh Narayanan and a seasoned crew.
Actor-producer Riya Shibu has officially joined the cast of Vikram’s upcoming film Chiyaan 63 as the female lead, marking her Tamil acting debut. The makers announced the news on Wednesday, adding excitement around the highly anticipated project directed by Anand Shankar.
Riya Shibu is no stranger to Vikram’s filmography. Under her banner HR Pictures, she previously backed Veera Dheera Sooran – Part 2 (2025).
Chiyaan 63 also marks Vikram’s reunion with director Anand Shankar nearly a decade after their 2016 sci-fi action thriller Iru Mugan. The film was officially announced last month with a stylised promo that introduced Vikram as a chef who appears to be hunted by a gang. However, a voiceover conversation hinted at a darker twist, revealing that the seemingly ordinary chef may actually be a gangster. Anand Shankar has penned the story and screenplay, while dialogues are written by Shan Karuppusamy.
The film features music by Santhosh Narayanan, who reunites with Vikram after Mahaan (2022), directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The technical crew includes cinematographer RD Rajasekar ISC, editor Raymond Derrick Crasta, production designer Rajeevan and art director Surya Rajeevan.
The project is being produced by TG Thyagarajan under the Sathya Jyothi Films banner, with Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thyagarajan also attached as producers. G Saravanan and Sai Siddharth serve as co-producers. Further details regarding the plot, genre and extended cast are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
Vikram has also signed projects with 96 director Prem Kumar and filmmaker Bodi Rajkumar, although no new updates about either venture have been announced so far. The actor was also expected to collaborate with Mandela and Maaveeran director Madonne Ashwin on a separate project.
Meanwhile, Riya Shibu is preparing for the release of her upcoming film Athiradi, slated to hit theatres on May 15. She previously gained recognition for her performance in Nivin Pauly’s Sarvam Maya, directed by Akhil Sathyan.