Richa to romance Mahesh Babu

If reports are to be believed, Richa Gangopadhyaya will be Mahesh Babu's heroine in ace Mani Ratnam's next Tamil-Telugu bilingual, based on the popular Tamil novel 'Ponniyin Selvan' written by Kalki Krishna Murthy. If this happens, it would be Richa's first Tamil film.

The Tamil version has been titled Ponniyin Selvan, while Telugu version is yet to be titled. They star Tamil heroes Vijay and Arya besides Mahesh Babu.

According to reports, Anushka plays Mahesh Babu’s younger sister as well as Vijay’s love interest in this film. Vijay will play the courageous warrior Vallavarayan Vandiyatheyan and Mahesh Babu will play King Aditha Karikalan. The role of Arulmozhi Varman (who later becomes Raja Raja Chozha), will be played by Arya.

Source: http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/Richa_to_romance_Mahesh_Babu_48149.html

A.R Rahman, sure-shot in Ponniyin Selvan

There is a huge buzz surrounding Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan. Kalki’s epic classic has captivated generations of Tamilians and continues to do so. Fans of his work are anxious to find out who will play the characters that are deeply ingrained in their hearts. So far Vijay, Mahesh Babu, Arya, and Anushka have been confirmed for the project.

In recent times, Mani and A.R Rahman have teamed up together to create memorable music and so it was believed that they would come together again for this mammoth undertaking. But there were reports that Rahman is far too busy with international projects to be a part of Ponniyin Selvan. 

However, sources within Mani’s camp insist that it will be Rahman who will be doing the music. It must be remembered that Mani had wished to make Ayutha Ezhuthu without music but Rahman would not hear of it. He came up with some magnificent tunes and convinced Mani to include the songs in his movie. This time also the two legends will work together and hopefully the results will do the Tamil film industry proud.

Source: http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-11-03/a-r-rahman-mani-ratnam-17-03-11.html

‘Ponniyin Selvan’ in Mysore Palace

Mani Ratnam films are also known for its unique locations. Even ordinary Indian locations will look exotic in his films. The popularity of the Malshej Ghats in Maharashtra and the Athirapally waterfalls in Kerala achieved new glories after Mani Ratnam had them in his ‘Raavanan’.

For his next epic film ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, Mani Ratnam will be depicting the Mysore Palace in new light, colour and grandeur. The Mysore Place is said to be the most essential location of the period film that narrates the story of Rajaraja Cholan of the Chola Dynasty during the 10th-11th century.

Apparently Mani Ratnam and his team had already met the Mysore Palace Mandali deputy director P.V.Avaradhi and handed over the letter seeking the permission.

Mysore Palace and its neighboring Lalitha Mahal Palace have always been among the favourite locations of our film makers.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/64837.html

More details on Mani’s film

Mani Ratnam’s yet-to-be-started ‘magnum opus’, which is said to be inspired by Tamil’s much celebrated novel Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki, is getting more additions each passing day.

A day after it was said that Arya would be part of this multicrore multistarrer, we have it now that Anushka, who is making waves in Kollywood and Tollywood simultaneously, has also been roped in for this project.

“Anushka has signed on the dotted lines. She is playing a very crucial role in this film. Others who had been finalised for the project so far are Vijay, Mahesh Babu and Arya,” say sources.

A bilingual, the film will be produced by Mani’s Madras Talkies. However, plans are on to join hands with other production houses at a later stage. “It is still a question that whether the movie would be in historic background or Mani would give the script a contemporary look,” sources add.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/64789.html