Amitabh Bachchan to join Aishwarya in Mani Ratnam’s epic film?
With rumours aplenty about Mani Ratnam’s next, it now seems Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is certain to take up the film, with her father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan also expected to join.
A source told DNA India, “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 film in question is said to be based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s popular historical novel ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ (The Son of Ponni). An announcement about the film is expected next week.
The source added, “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.”
With rumours that Amitabh could also be a part of the film, the source concluded, “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.”