Aishwarya Rai Signs Mani Ratnam
Image Source - Instagram

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has reportedly opted out of Sarvesh Mewara’s ‘Gulab Jamun’, signed Mani Ratnam’s next project. She had earlier given hints that she will work with Mani Ratnam as he is one of her favourite filmmakers. There are reports saying that megastar and Aish’s father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan may also join the extravagant historical drama.

[Advertisement]

Now, Former Miss World has finally given a green signal to Mani Ratnam. Confirming her collaboration with director Ratnam, an industry source told 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.”

The historical drama is an official adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s famous historical novel ‘Ponniyin Selvan (The Son of Ponni)’. It narrates the story of Arulmozhivarman, who was crowned as Rajaraja Chola I during the 10th and 11th century. A big announcement on the same is likely to be made around Pongal (January 14). According to reports, this will be made as a franchise like ‘Golmaal’ or ‘Krrish’.

The source told the daily,  “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.”

Apart from ‘Fanney Khan‘ actress, the director wants to cast Amitabh Bachchan for the period drama and he has narrated the script to him for the same. According to reports, Big B is taking time to decided whether he will be a part of this film or not. If he gives a green signal, the Sasur and Bahu will be seen sharing screen space together after 11 long years. They were last seen together in ‘Sarkar Raj (2008)’.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan walk out of ‘Gulab Jamun’?