Mani Ratnam's period film 'Ponniyin Selvan' shoot to resume in September

The shoot of Mani Ratnam's much-anticipated period film was progressing at a brisk pace in Ramoji Rao Film City, Hyderabad. However, the novel coronavirus outbreak has brought their work to halt.

Now, we hear from reliable sources, Ponniyin Selvan will be the first big film in Tamil cinema to resume shoot post lockdown. The team is waiting for the government to lift the travel ban as they are planning to shoot major portions of the film in Pune and Hyderabad by the end of this year.

A source close to the makers of the film said, "Mani Ratnam has decided to shoot portions involving actor Vikram in September. However, nothing as been finalised yet as the situation is still bleak." The team is currently discussing the possibilities of shooting the film with minimal crew, following safety precautions. An official announcement will be made



soon.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan might join the film's shoot in this schedule as well. While Chiyaan Vikram will play the role of Aditya Karikalan, Aishwarya Rai will be seen essaying the role of the antagonist, Nandini.

Last month, Mani Ratnam revealed in a live Instagram session that the film will be made in two parts. The first part, which is currently under production, is slated to hit the theatres in early 2021.

There are reports that Telugu-Hindi actress Sobhita Dhulipala has been roped in to play the role of the princess in the film. Aditi Rao Hydari, who made her debut in Tamil with Kaatru Veliyidai, was rumoured to be a part of the film as well. However, in one of her latest interviews to IndiaToday.in, she denied it as baseless.

Ponniyin Selvan also features Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Vikram Prabhu and Aishwaya Lekshmi in important roles.