Is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan playing the antagonist in 'Ponniyin Selvan'?
Ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam's upcoming magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan is set to bring multiple popular actors on screen. While the makers have taken every step to keep the character details a secret, a list of the cast members and their roles are doing the rounds on the internet. It reveals that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will portray "Nandhini/Mandhakini," an antagonist, in this two-part movie.
Also, Prakash Raj has replaced Amitabh Bachchan in this film
Earlier, speculations were rife that Ratnam has roped in Amitabh Bachchan for this period-drama. But, the list shows that Big B has been replaced by another megastar, Prakash Raj and his character is named Sundara Chozhar. Interestingly, the Singham villain is also a part of the Ratnam-produced anthology series, Navarasa. It will premiere on Netflix tomorrow. Besides Raj, Ponniyin Selvan features Vikram as well.
Karthi, Trisha, Jayam Ravi also star in pivotal roles
In the first part (PS-1), Vikram will appear in the role of Aditya Karikalan, according to the online list. Trisha will star as Kundhavi, Chozha princess and partner of Karthi's character, Vandhiyathevan. The movie also stars another pair comprising Jayam Ravi and Sobhita as Arulmozhi Varman and Vaanathi, respectively. Other actors are Aishwarya Lekshmi (Poonguzhali), Sarath Kumar (Periya Paluvetarayar) and Lal (Malayamaan) among others.
Rai is not the only antagonist in the movie
In period dramas, a single antagonist character isn't enough. So even though Ratnam has Rai as the main antagonist, there are also other bad guys who will star in the film. Riyaz Khan and Kishore will respectively play Soman Sambavan and Ravidhasan, both negative characters. Meanwhile, others will be Idumbankaari, Pinaagapani and Revadasa Kiramavithan. The makers haven't yet commented on the leaked list.
Check out the full list of the cast here
'Ponniyin Selvan' part one is slated for a 2022 release
Ponniyin Selvan is said to be an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy's historical Tamil novel, which is based on the early life of Chola ruler, Rajaraja Chola I, born as Arulmozhi Varman. According to its poster, the movie's first part is slated to release next year, most probably in theaters. Presented by Subaskaran, the epic is being backed by Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies.
