The charming hero of two of Mani Ratnam's blockbusters is getting back to the biz with the filmmaker's upcoming project. We're referring to Arvind Swamy, who will be seen as the father of Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the director's Telugu-Tamil bilingual 'Kadal: The Sea'.

Arvind Swamy debuted with 'Thalapathi' and shot to fame overnight with award winning flick 'Roja'. He then appeared in about 14 films — including Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam — but failed to make it big in the tinsel town. He was last spotted in Prabhu Deva's Tamil production 'Sasanam' (2006). Earlier named 'Pookadai', 'Kadal' is introducing yesteryear actor Karthik's son Gautham as hero.

Set against a fishing village, Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, the movie's production will begin soon. Samantha will join the team for 10 days from 11th February. It has Arjun and Lakshmi Manchu playing key roles and AR Rahman composing the music.