Malayalam actor Jayaram in talks for key role in Ponniyin Selvan

Malayalam actor Jayaram, known for his performances in films like Tenali and Panchathantiram. has been approached to play a crucial role in director Mani Ratnam's big-budget historical drama, based on Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan. The 54-year-old actor, known for portraying versatile roles, was last seen in the Malayalam film, Lonappante Mamodeesa.  Jayaram has reportedly agreed in principle to work in the film, but is yet to sign the agreement. His role in the adaptation is not known yet.

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.

Actor-playwright-theatre artiste Elango Kumaravel, known for his performances in films like Abhiyum Naanum and Kaatrin Mozhi, has been roped in to write the screenplay of the adaptation. Elango, who had earlier been part of the writing team of the renowned Ponniyin Selvan theatre play in the 90s, will work in association with Mani Ratnam on the historical's script.

Reliance Entertainment is said to be bankrolling the biggie, which is set to go on floors in December.

Jayaram, meanwhile, has films like Party, Marconi Mathai, Pattabhiraman, and the yet-to-be-titled project with Sathyan Anthikad in the pipeline.