The casting speculations around Maniratnam's magnum opus, the Ponniyin Selvan adaptation, doesn't seem like stopping any time soon. The latest we hear is that Aishwarya Lekshmi of Mayaanadhi-fame will also be a part of the film. Her role is currently unknown.

Vikram, Parthiban and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are the only two actors, who have confirmed their participation in the adaption.

Vikram, who had earlier worked with Mani Ratnam in Raavan/Raavanan, is speculated to be playing Aditya Karikalan, the eldest son of Sundara Chola, brother of Arulmozhi Varman, and the commander of Northern troops, while Aishwarya Rai is said to be playing Nandini, the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (played by Mohanbabu), the chancellor of the Chola kingdom, in the period film. Parthiban is expected to play Chinna Pazhivettarayar.

In addition, actors like Jayam Ravi (Arulmozhi Varman), Karthi (Vandiyadevan), Keerthy Suresh (Kunthavai Naachiyaar), Amitabh Bachchan (Sundara Chozhar), Jayaram, and Amala Paul (Vaanathi) are said to be part of the period film, which has apparently been visualised on a mammoth canvas. A recent report suggests that Anushka Shetty, too, will be a part of the cast.

Mani Ratnam's follow-up to Chekka Chivantha Vaanam is likely to be produced by Reliance Entertainment. The screenplay is being written by actor-writer Elango Kumaravel, who recently made his mark as an actor in Rajiv Menon's Sarvam Thaala Mayam, has adapted a number of historical novels into stage plays.

Aishwarya Lekshmi is currently shooting for her debut Tamil film, directed by Sundar C, in which she will feature alongside Vishal and  Tamannaah. She has also been cast as the female lead opposite Dhanush in Karthik Subbaraj's next film.