The Rs 1000 crore film Mahabharatham is all set to go on the floors later this year but the project suffered a setback with KP Sasikala, the President of the Kerala Hindi Aikiya Vedi threatening to stage a protest because of the film's title.
The members of the pro-Hindu group had demanded a title change a few days earlier. While its director Shrikumar Menon had made it clear that he will not consider a title change, he has now received the backing of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. According to sources in tinsel town, the makers of this mega budget movie have the complete backing of the PM.
They supposedly received a letter from the PM stating that he is waiting eagerly for the film’s release and that it will be a matter of pride for the nation. This letter is a major boost for the filmmakers and they will soon be meeting Modi, add sources.
Reacting to this development, KP Sasikala said, “Although we are happy that a big budget film is coming from Kerala named Mahabharatham, we strongly feel a film which is close to the story of real Mahabharatham written by Vyasan should only carry its name. No other movie can be named Mahabharatham. If the movie is based on Randamoozham, let the name of the film also be named same. Veda Vyasan also has his rights.”
Randamoozham is a critically acclaimed work of MT Vasudevan Nair. Shrikumar Menon will be wielding the megaphone for this high budget movie which will be made in two parts with Mohanlal playing the lead character. There are reports that Tollywood star Nagarjuna will be playing a pivotal role in it as well. Reports are that Mahabharatham will be a multilingual film and that leading stars from all the industries may be a part of the project.
(Content provided by Digital Native)