Filmmaker Mani Ratnam for long has toyed with the idea of adapting Ponniyin Selvan into a film with a huge star cast. Over a decade ago, he had almost announced the project with Vijay, Vikram and Mahesh Babu, and later with Karthi and Ram Charan.
The highly anticipated project is happening and as per reliable sources close to the Roja filmmaker, the film will finally go to sets from December after nearly a year of pre-production.
It has already been confirmed that Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Jayam Ravi are officially part of the cast but as per reports the film also stars Jyotika, Amala Paul and Keerthy Suresh in pivotal roles. Vijay Sethupathi is also said to be part of the project but it has to be seen how he will allocate dates as he’s already juggling multiple films.
In her recent interview to The Hindu, Aishwarya, confirming she has signed the project, said she can’t 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.”
Lyca Productions, which had previously released Ratnam’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, will bankroll the project. 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 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, Ratnam discussed the idea of reviving his plan to make Ponniyin Selvan as a film and Vijay Sethupathi immediately expressed his interest. It is said that it was Sethupathi who pushed Ratnam to go ahead with the plan.
(Content provided by Digital Native)