Nagarjuna to play Karna in the Rs 1000 crore Mahabharata?

Baahubali has turned out to be a massive success, so much so that several filmmakers are contemplating on making historical films. News that a UAE-based businessman and philanthropist, BR Shetty, is planning to make a film on Mahabharata, one of the greatest Indian epics, began doing the rounds several months ago. There are also reports that Mollywood star Mohanlal has been roped in to play Bheema in the movie. This gave rise to speculations about the other stars that would be associated with the magnum opus. With it being a high budget project and a multi-lingual, it is natural that the filmmakers would want to sign up stars from various film industries.

And as expected, the makers did approach Tollywood star Nagarjuna to play Karna in the movie, we hear. Confirming that he did get the offer, Nagarjuna said in an interview that nothing materialised after the initial offer. Adding that the offer came to him nearly four years ago, the star pointed out that he wouldn’t mind playing a small role provided it was vital to the film.

Considering the huge amount to be pumped into the project, it will be a two-part film with the filmmakers planning to go on the floors in September next year. Both the films would be out at the theatres 90 days apart, add sources. VA Shrikumar Menon will be helming the affairs as the director. Interestingly, he is currently busy with the Mohanlal starrer Odiyan which has Manju Warrier in the star cast.

The film, which is touted to be one of the most expensive movies to be made in the Malayalam film industry, is slotted for release next year. Mohanlal and Prakash Raj will be sharing the screen space in the movie after two decades. The last time they came together for a film was in the Mani Ratnam directorial Iruvar.

(Content provided by Digital Native)