Putting an end to the speculation after Vidya Balan opted out from the lead role in Aami, the biopic of writer Kamala Surayya aka Kamala Das directed by Kamal, Manju Warrier has decided that she will play the role in the movie.
Though Vidya Balan officially did not explain why she opted out from the movie, there were reports that it was because director Kamal had criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following which certain Sangh groups in Kerala had branded him anti-national. Reports state that Vidya, who appears in Central government ads, backed out from the film because of the controversy around Kamal. However, Kamal denied the reports and said that Vidya had informed him about backing out much before the controversy against him erupted.
Sources close to the actor had also denied the rumours, explaining that it is their differences in opinion regarding the script that forced her to back out.
The shooting of the movie was scheduled to start on November 2016. The director told media that he had been discussing the script with Vidya for about a year.
"I met her in Mumbai and arranged a person to read the script to her and make her thorough with the language. She said it was an excellent script. A photo shoot was conducted and costumes were designed as per the character's requirement. Even the cast was decided. However, five days before the commencement of the shoot in Ottapalam, she said she was quitting the film," Kamal told The New Indian Express quotes.
He also said that Manju will be perfect for the role.
This is Manju Warrier’s third film with Kamal. The release of the movie is expected in 2017 during Onam.