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.
But for reasons unknown, the film never took off and after multiple attempts, it is learnt Ratnam may soon revive it with Vikram, Vijay Sethupathi and Jayam Ravi in the lead. According to the latest reports, Telugu actor Mohan Babu has been approached for a crucial role in this epic project, which is slated to go on the floors next year.
"It’s a period trilogy which unfolds on a mammoth canvas and features several prominent actors from across industries. Mohan Babu has agreed in principle to work in the film, but is yet to sign the agreement. The film will be made in several Indian languages and requires his bulk dates. An official statement will be out soon," a source was quoted in a Cinema Express report.
Lyca Productions is most likely to 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.
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 also being said that it was Sethupathi who pushed Ratnam to go ahead with the plan. Meanwhile, Vikram, who has just wrapped up shooting for Kadaram Kondan, will soon commence work on Mahavir Karna.
Jayam Ravi is busy shooting for Komaali. Tipped to be a school-based comedy, the film is being directed by Pradeep Ranganathan. He also has Thani Oruvan 2 in the pipeline with his brother Mohan Raja.
(Content provided by Digital Native)