Mani Ratnam Next Project

Ace director Mani Ratnam will script the biggest ever deal in the history of South Indian Cinema, for a three version film in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

According to source Mani Ratnam's production company Madras Talkies is in the final round of negotiation for huge Rs.120 Crore deal with the Anil Ambani run Reliance Entertainment Big Picture, for negative rights of all the three versions. According to close sources from the industry, if this deal happens, it will be the biggest ever for a South Indian Film.

Mani Sir as he is known in Kollywood, has been working on this script ever since the release of his super hit Guru in Jaunary, 2007.

Reportedly the Hindi version will have Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai in the lead and Govinda in a negative role. The Telugu and Tamil versions will have Vikram in the male lead, while Aishwarya will be the common heroine in all three languages.

He is teaming up with the photographer and friend-partner of his earlier ventures (Aalayam), PC Sreeram and his own discovery AR Rahman.

Prithiviraj Play Mani Ratnam's Film

Mani Ratnam's forthcoming film is to be made bilingually in Tamil and Hindi. It is reported that while Vikram would star in the Tamil version, while Abishek Bachchan will hold the mantle in Hindi. Aishwarya Rai is expected to be the heroine in both versions.

An interesting development with this project is that Prithiviraj has been assigned to play a very important role in the film. A role that would be villainous in nature.

Though Prithiviraj acts as hero in many films he is no stranger to playing villain. His dashing performance in 'Kana Kandaen' was appreciated by audiences. Playing the villain he literally stole the show in the film with his performance.

'I am excited about working in a Mani Ratnam movie. But I can't say anything about the role yet,' said a happy Prithviraj.

Prithviraj is currently working in 'Ninaithale Inikkum' the remake of the Malayalam hit 'Classmates'. It is a two-hero subject played by Prithviraj and Shakti, while national award winner Priya Mani will play the female lead. Debutant Kumar wields the megaphone.