Deepika Padukone beats Katrina Kaif!

Rajini-Deepika's big-ticket project Rana was put on the back burner after the South star fell ill last year. But Deepika Padukone is getting another chance. The actor has been signed on as Rajni’s new heroine in his daughter Soundarya’s ambitious Tamil flick, Kochadaiyaan.

She has always been excited about working with Rajinikanth. Unfortunately, their big-ticket project Rana was put on the back burner after the South star fell ill last year. But Deepika Padukone is getting another chance. The actor has been signed on as Rajni’s new heroine in his daughter Soundarya’s ambitious Tamil flick, Kochadaiyaan.

It was recently reported that Katrina Kaif, who was also keen on doing the film, was offered the role for R5 crore. But Deepika confirms her association with the project, saying, “I am eagerly looking forward to work with Rajni sir. It’s exciting news.”

Deepika was supposed to star in the epic war drama, which was being directed by KS Ravikumar, but Rajni’s health began deteriorating around April last year. Right now, Rajni is believed to be excited about the 3D Motion Capture flick, Kochadaiyaan.

"After Rana was put on hold, Rajni sir too wanted to work with Deepika. Soundarya and he felt she would fit the role, which is when she was contacted," says an insider.

Though Soundarya will direct it, Ravikumar will oversee the project.

The soundtrack will be composed by AR Rahman. The film is being touted as the first Indian production that will employ technology earlier seen in films like Avatar (2009) and The Adventures of Tintin (2011).