Filmmaker Mani Ratnam was last seen directing the 2018 ensemble crime drama Chekka Chivandha Vaanam, that starred Arvind Swami, STR, Vijay Sethupathi and Jyothika in crucial roles. The film had a successful run at the box office and was praised for its performances and racy screenplay.
The director is all set to helm the silverscreen adaptation of the five-part novella Ponniyin Selvan, written by Kalki. The pre-production work of the movie is at full swing. Meanwhile here is a recent development regarding the film. It is speculated that actress Anushka Shetty was approached to play a pivotal role in the film. The 'Baahubali' star is yet to confirm her involvement in the project.
However, it is finalized that actress Aishwarya Rai will be a part of the film's cast, which was confirmed by the actress during the 2019 Cannes film festival. The director will be collaborating with the actress for the fourth time, after Iruvar, Guru and Raavanan. Anushka Shetty is currently shooting for the Hemanth Madhukar-directed thriller, Silence, along with Madhavan, Anjali and Shalini Pandey in important roles.
