Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Mani Ratnam have created beautiful cinema whenever they have collaborated. Goes without saying that they both admire one another’s work and are, of course, each other’s favourites. You may recall that Aishwarya, in an earlier interview to DNA, had said that she is in talks with Mani for his upcoming project but there is nothing concrete yet. “There is a discussion about a film, but we have to really pick up our conversation from where we left it. Mani is one of my favourite filmmakers.” she had told the leading daily.
And now, news is that reportedly Aishwarya has given a green signal to the project and is on board. A source informs DNA, “It’s a big-budget historical drama, which is being planned on the lines of the Baahubali franchise. It’s likely to be a bilingual project and star several other big names from the South Indian film industry. Mani approached his muse Aishwarya for the female lead and she signed on the dotted line.”
According to the report in the daily, the film is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s popular historical novel Ponniyin Selvan (The Son of Ponni). Apparently, a big announcement on the same is expected to be made around Pongal (January 14). It is also being said that the magnum opus is being planned as a franchise.
The source further informed DNA, “There will be an ensemble cast. The actors have already been asked to give bulk dates and commit a few years to this film, as it will be made in several parts. The book has five volumes, but the makers are planning to conceptualise it as three instalments on screen.”
Interestingly, a few days back, reports of Abhishek and Aishwarya opting out of their film, Gulaab Jamun, which they were supposed to do together, had also created a stir. Although there was no confirmation on the same, with this news coming in, looks like it could be true, after all.
But that’s not it. The report also suggests that Mani Ratnam is planning to get Amitabh Bachchan too for the project. “Mani has narrated the script to Amitji. He is taking his time to decide whether he would like to do it. A confirmation from his end is yet to come but he has liked the idea.” said the source. It will be after 11 years that Aishwarya and Big B will share screen space- that is if Mr Bachchan agrees to do the film. The duo was last seen together in Sarkar Raj (2008).
Image Source: Pic sanper, Daily Excelsior