Kollywood star Dhanush joins Captain America and Pablo Escobar in Russo brothers’ Netflix venture

Avengers’ directors Anthony and John Russo are set to bring back Chris Evans (Captain America), Ryan Gosling (La La Land), and Wagner Moura (Narcos) in the brothers’ latest venture: The Gray Man. All set to join this star-studded case is Kollywood’s very own superstar Dhanush.

The film, reportedly budgeted at $200 million, is touted to be the most expensive Netflix original film to date. The actioner is pegged to be the start of a new franchise and is based on the 2009 debut novel of the same name by Mark Greaney. The film revolves a freelance assassin and a former CIA operative Court Gentry (Gosling). It follows Gentry as he is hunted across the world by Lloyd Hansen (Evans), a former member of Gentry’s CIA team.

Dhanush, who is known for movies such as Aadukalam, Asuran, and Anegan, joins the cast along with actors who have brought to life popular characters such as Pablo Escobar (Wagner) and Captain America (Evans). In a Twitter post, Netflix added that the Kollywood actor would also be joined by Once Upon a Time in Hollywood child actor Julia Butters, Game of Thrones alum Jessica Henwick, and Knives Out star Ana De Armas.

Dhanush had taken to letter to share a letter expressing his joy over the announcement. “Looking forward to being a part of this wonderful action-packed experience. My sincere thanks to my dearest fans from all over the world for all the love and support you have been showing me throughout these years,” he wrote.

The Russo brothers have garnered cult status following their contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially with Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Anthony and Joe Russo will be producing The Gray Man under their AGBO banner. The makers are planning to start the filming in January 2021 in Los Angeles while international locations are still being finalised.

Meanwhile, Dhanush’s fans were overjoyed at the announcement. “Super proud of u @dhanushkraja bro,” actor Prasanna wrote on Twitter. “Proud moment for all Tamil, South & Indian cinema fans,” another person commented. Dhanush, who entered Kollywood with Thulluvadho Illamai in 2002, made his international debut in Ken Scott’s The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir in 2018.

Dhanush, who was last seen in the Tamil action-comedy Pattas, awaits the release of two Tamil films — Jagama Thandhiram and Karnan. He is currently working on filmmaker Aanand L Rai’s Atrangi Re, opposite Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan.