Filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s upcoming magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan, which has been in production for close to two years, will finally go on the floors in November and major portions are expected to be wrapped up by March 2020, according to reliable sources close to the Roja director.

The cast so far includes Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Keerthy Suresh, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amala Paul, Parthiban and Jyothika, among others. Apparently, most of the actors have already started prepping for the project. For instance, actor Parthiban is growing a beard for his role. Mani Ratnam has finalised locations in Tamil Nadu and Thailand, where most of the shooting will happen with over 500 extras.

Lyca Productions, which had previously released Mani Ratnam’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, is expected to bankroll the project, though an official announcement has not been made. Apparently, buoyed by the success of Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, Lyca has agreed to come on board to fund Ratnam’s dream project. A source close to Ratnam had said: “The team is waiting for the official nod from Vijay Sethupathi on his dates. Once he gives his nod, an official announcement can be expected.”

While working on Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, the director had discussed the idea of reviving his plan to make Ponniyin Selvan as a film and Vijay Sethupathi had reportedly expressed his interest immediately. It is said that it was the actor who pushed Mani Ratnam to go ahead with the plan. Theater artist Elango Kumaravel will be co-writing the adaptation along with Ratnam.

In a recent interview to The Hindu, Aishwarya confirmed that she had signed the project but said she cannot reveal more at the moment. “I don’t think it will be fair to override Mani sir and speak about the project. He’s my Guru. I started my first film ever (Iruvar) with him, and even though there’s such warmth and familiarity in our professional relationship today, it’s his wish to share details with the world whenever he chooses to.”

(Content provided by Digital Native)