Exclusive News! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan signs Mani Ratnams next, Amitabh Bachchan may join too

In her previous interview with After Hrs, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had hinted at a possible collaboration with her first director Mani Ratnam. She had told us, “There is a discussion about a film, but we have to really pick up our conversation from where we left it. Mani is one of my favorite filmmakers.”

Now, we hear that Ash has finally greenlit his movie. Says a source, “It’s a big-budget historical drama, which is being planned on the lines of the Baahubali franchise. It’s likely to be a bilingual project and star several other big names from the South Indian film industry. Mani approached his muse Aishwarya for the female lead and she signed on the dotted line.”

A FRANCHISE IN THE MAKING

The film is an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s popular historical novel Ponniyin Selvan (The Son of Ponni). The five-volume tome narrates the story of Arulmozhivarman, who was crowned as Rajaraja Chola I during the 10th and 11th century. A big announcement on the same is expected to be made around Pongal (January 14). The magnum opus is being planned as a franchise. Our source informs, “There will be an ensemble cast. The actors have already been asked to give bulk dates and commit a few years to this film, as it will be made in several parts. The book has five volumes, but the makers are planning to conceptualize it as three installments on screen.”

ON-SCREEN REUNION FOR BIG BAND ASH?

While the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil heroine has come on board, the OK Kanmani director is also planning to cast her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan for the period drama. The source tells us, “Mani has narrated the script to Amitji. He is taking his time to decide whether he would like to do it. A confirmation from his end is yet to come but he has liked the idea.”

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If Big B gives his nod, he will share screen space with Ash after 11 years. The duo was last seen together in Sarkar Raj (2008). We sent a text to the actress, but she didn’t respond till the time of going to press.

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