Mahesh Babu walks out of Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone's 'Ramayana 3D'
Producer Madhu Mantena has teamed up with director Nitesh Tiwari to bring the epic mythology Ramayana on the big screen with Ramayana 3D. It was going to star Mahesh Babu as Ram with Deepika Padukone as Sita and Hrithik Roshan as Ravana. However, the Telugu star has reportedly rejected the offer as he signed SS Rajamouli's next—the dates of which clash with Mantena's movie.
'Ramayana 3D' is set to go on floors in mid-2022
Ramayana 3D makers have not officially made any announcement about the cast, but a source informed Bollywood Hungama about the latest development. The source said, "Madhu and Nitesh are looking to shoot for Ramayana from mid-2022 and the dates coincide with the biggest filmmaker of India, SS Rajamouli's next. It was an obvious choice for Mahesh to choose Rajamouli over the rendition of Ramayana."
Babu had earlier liked the script
Apparently, Mantena was sure Babu would sign the deal, but now, the search for Ram's character continues. As per earlier reports, the Maharshi actor even liked the script. "Madhu feels he has the innocence to pull off Shri Ram's character. Mahesh Babu, on the other hand, has liked the script but is yet to give his nod to the project," a source said earlier.
Prabhas was Mantena's first choice
Before offering the role to Babu, Mantena had Prabhas in mind for Ram's character. Due to a delay in this project, the Baahubali star signed director Om Raut's movie, Adipurush. Seeing this, Mantena "immediately got his team and financiers to bankroll his Ramayana 3D," so he could rope in actors before they sign other projects. For now, Roshan and Padukone are starring in it.
Padukone, Roshan to appear together in 'Fighter' too
Ramayana 3D won't be Padukone and Roshan's first project together. They're set to appear in Siddharth Anand's aerial action-thriller, Fighter, which is aiming to go for a pan-India release. This film's shooting will also begin in 2022. Roshan also has Vikram Vedha remake and Nhe Night Manager (his digital debut) in the pipeline; Padukone will be next seen in Pathan and The Intern remake.
