Blockbuster filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has revealed that Tamil filmmakers Rathna Kumar (Meyaadha Maan, Aadai, and Gulu Gulu) and Deeraj Vaidy (Jil Jung Juk) are penning the dialogues in the tentatively titled Thalapathy 67, starring Vijay. The big revelation was made at Galatta Plus The Tamil Cinema Roundtable 2022, a debate forum by Galatta Media, which saw several leading names coming together to share their views about films among whom also included directors Gautham Menon, Vignesh Shivan, Halitha Shameem, and producer Archana Kalpathi, with National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the Editor-in-Chief of Galatta Plus, serving as the host. 

Speaking about his writing process, Lokesh Kanagaraj stated, "Regarding collaborations, I'm not sure whether I can make a film based on another person's story at this point. I prefer staying in the world that I'm creating for now. At the same time, when it comes to the dialogues, I actually need help. Apart from viewing it from a full-fledged perspective, I'm making a few mistakes judgmentally regarding whether I've written the right dialogue. I never collaborate with writing. I always finish the story and screenplay and then share it for writing the dialogues." 

Lokesh Kanagaraj then revealed, "Usually, Rathna Kumar helps me. I had another writer by the name of Karthik Yogi for Maanagaram. In Kaithi, I wrote the dialogues, but Pon Parthiban sir helped me when it came to the final review. When it came to Master and Vikram, I started collaborating with Rathna for the dialogues so that it'll be easy for me. I would send him everything I think about in a voice note and he would present it to me on paper. There will also be his own input as well. If Rathna writes three pages for me, I'll skip around two pages, but a single word that he's written will make me write something new. As far as my next film (Thalapathy 67), Rathna is still writing the dialogues, but we have added Deeraj Vaidy, who directed Jil Jung Juk, and it's a fun process as their suggestions are making the scenes interesting for me. So, for the next 4-5 years, I will be collaborating on the dialogues and it's fun." 

Rathna Kumar and Deeraj Vaidy's inclusion in Vijay's Thalapathy 67 has come after Lokesh Kanagaraj had earlier revealed in Galatta Plus The Tamil Cinema Roundtable 2022 that filmmaker-actor Gautham Menon too is a part of the film and will be seen in a key role. Production on the upcoming film will kick off in early 2023 and also includes Trisha Krishnan as the female lead, while Mansoor Ali Khan has also been confirmed to be appearing in a pivotal role. Thalapathy 67 is the second film for Lokesh Kanagaraj with Vijay after their 2021 box office blockbuster Master and expectations for their upcoming film have been massive ever since it was revealed that the duo is teaming up once again. 

Watch Lokesh Kanagaraj talk about his writing process in the video below: