Actor-playwright-theatre artiste Elango Kumaravel, known for his performances in films like Abhiyum Naanum, Kurangu Bommai, and Kaatrin Mozhi, has been roped in to write the screenplay of Mani Ratnam's big-budget adaptation of Kalki Krishnamoorthy's celebrated novel, Ponniyin Selvan.
Elango, who is known for successfully adapting several historical novels into stage plays (Vaali Vadham, Bheeshma, Ravana, Hanuman), will work in association with Mani Ratnam on the historical's script.
The actor, who had earlier been part of the writing team of the renowned Ponniyin Selvan theatre play in the 90s, in addition to playing the character of Ravidasan in it, says that his experience in adapting mythological stories might have landed him the opportunity to work with the Kadal director. "I am currently working on the script. The pre-production will take a few more months. We are working hard to give the audience something very special," he says.
Despite confirming his participation in the project, Elango is reluctant to divulge any information about the script, casting, and production details. "I'm not the right person to reveal those details. The makers will come out with an official announcement in due course. However, it is true that several top stars are part of the project," he says.
Actors like Vikram (Aditya Karikalan), Jayam Ravi (Arulmozhi Varman), Karthi (Vandiyadevan), Keerthy Suresh (Kunthavai Naachiyaar), Mohan Babu (Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Nandini, wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar), Amitabh Bachchan (Sundara Chozhar), and Amala Paul (Vaanathi) are said to be part of the period film, which has apparently been visualised on a mammoth canvas. While Aishwarya Rai had confirmed in a Cannes interview that she is a part of the project, the others are yet to officially confirm their participation.
Ponniyin Selvan, widely considered as the greatest Tamil novel, tells the story of the early days of Arulmozhivarman, who later became Rajaraja Chola I, one of the well-known kings of the Chola dynasty during the 10th and 11th century, in five volumes.
According to reports, Mani Ratnam is currently in talks with Reliance Entertainment to co-produce the project, which is set to go on floors in December.