Mani Ratnam is gearing up for his magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan. The latest update is that the OK Kanmani director has asked his lead heroes including Chiyaan Vikram (Aditya Karikalan), Karthi (Vandiyathevan), Jayam Ravi (Raja Raja Cholan 1), Parthiban and Rahman to grow long hair and thick beards as the historical story is set in 10th century and revolves around kings.
The shoot is starting next month in Thailand where sets of huge palaces are being erected in forest areas. A 100-day shoot has been planned.
A source close to one of the lead actors confirms the news, “Yes, some of us are asked to grow long hair and those who are working in multiple films cannot sport such a look and they might use proper wigs and extensions for hair.”
Since the story commands vast areas of lush green, water bodies and space to construct various sets, Thailand has been chosen as the main locale. Also, animals like horses, elephants are needed for the film and it is earlier to get necessary permissions and clearances there, the source adds.
The ensemble cast also includes Jayaram, Amitabh Bachchan , Aishwarya Rai (Nandini) Keerthy Suresh (Kundavai), Mohan Babu, Amala Paul, Aishwarya Lekshmi among others.
