Filmmaker Mani Ratnam is all set to resume work on his upcoming magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan. As per fresh reports, the team is planning to shoot the next schedule in Sri Lanka as opposed to the earlier plan to shoot it in Madhya Pradesh. According to sources from the film's camp, the makers are now planning to head to Sri Lanka with a limited crew to shoot the next schedule. The project went on the floors in Thailand last December where the first schedule was filmed for over 90 days. Actors Karthi, Jayam Ravi and Aishwarya Lekshmi took part in the first schedule.
The cast so far includes Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Vikram Prabhu, Amitabh Bachchan, Mohan Babu and Aishwarya Rai among others. Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has already confirmed that she is part of the project, will be seen playing dual roles in the highly anticipated project, according to trusted sources. Recently, it was revealed that actor Nizhalgal Ravi will be seen playing the character of Chinna Pazhuvettarayar in the film which has been adapted from Kalki’s epic novel. The report added that Ravi has replaced Sarath Kumar, who was originally cast in this role. The report also added that Sarath Kumar may have been signed for another character.
The title poster of the film was released earlier this year in January. As per the poster, AR Rahman will compose music, Ravi Varman will handle cinematography, Sreekar Prasad will do the editing, Thota Tharani will take care of production design and writer Jeyamohan will pen the dialogues. Sharing credits for the screenplay along with Mani Ratnam is Kumaravel. Eka Lakhani will take care of costumes while Vikram Gaikwad is in charge of the makeup. Brinda has been roped in for choreography while Sham Kaushal will take care of action direction.
The film is being jointly produced by Mani Ratnam and Lyca Productions. Siva Ananth is the film’s executive producer.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Mani Ratnam is all set to make his digital debut via a web series which will also be co-directed by Gautham Menon, Karthick Naren and Bejoy Nambiar among others. As per a recent report by Cinema Express, Ratnam is said to have been signed for a series, which will be based on Navarasas and will consist of nine episodes.
Nine filmmakers are tipped to come together for this project. The report added filmmakers such as Gautham Menon, Karthick Naren, Bejoy Nambiar and actor Arvind Swamy are a few among the nine finalised to helm the series. The Roja filmmaker will direct the episode. Apparently, part of the income from the series will be given to workers of Tamil industry, who have been without employment for over the last few months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
(Content provided by Digital Native)