Aishwarya Rai, who was last seen in Fanney Khan(2018), has officially confirmed in a recent interview at Cannes that she is very much a part of Mani Ratnam's big-budget adaptation of Kalki's celebrated novel, Ponniyin Selvan.

“Mani (Ratnam) hasn’t formally announced it yet, but the word is out, so I will commit to the fact that yes, I am working with him. I won't say I agreed...I will always be more than thrilled, overwhelmed, humbled and happy to work with my guru, Mani. So yeah, that’s happening,” Aishwarya has been quoted as saying.

It is reported that the film will be set in the 10th century, and Aishwarya will be seen as Nandini, the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (played by Mohanbabu), who served as the chancellor and treasurer of the Chola kingdom. Aishwarya's character is said to have been written as a mysterious, power-hungry woman, who manipulates her husband to effectuate the downfall of the Chola empire as her rightful revenge.

The period film, which unfolds on a mammoth canvas, is said to feature  Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Amala Paul, Sathyaraj and several other prominent actors from across industries, in addition to Aishwarya and Mohan Babu 

According to reports, Mani Ratnam is currently in talks with Jio Studios to co-produce the project, which is set to go on floors in 2020.