Ponniyin Selvan directed by the renowned Mani Ratnam was released in two parts in 2022 and 2023. However many might not know that the director initially envisioned superstars Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu in the leading roles.
Back in 2010, Mani Ratnam began working on his dream project Ponniyin Selvan. He cast Vijay and Superstar Mahesh Babu to play the lead roles. Both actors even signed on for the project but it was eventually shelved due to technical and financial challenges.
During that time the film industry lacked the advanced graphics and VFX capabilities needed to bring the epic story to life. Additionally, financial constraints made it difficult to proceed with the project. These issues forced Mani Ratnam to put Ponniyin Selvan on hold.
In an interview during the promotion of his film Spyder Mahesh Babu confirmed that he and Vijay had participated in a photoshoot for Ponniyin Selvan in Chennai. The photoshoot took place just seven days before the planned start of principal filming. Unfortunately, the project was shelved soon after.
Mahesh Babu also mentioned that he still maintains a good relationship with Vijay. If the original plan had materialized it would have brought together two of India’s biggest stars in one film.
After being shelved for over a decade, Ponniyin Selvan finally came to life in 2022 and 2023 as Ponniyin Selvan I and II. The film featured a stellar ensemble cast including Chiyaan Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha Krishnan, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Prabhu and R. Sarathkumar among others.
The film is based on the famous novel “Ponniyin Selvan” by Kalki Krishnamurthy. It dramatizes the life of the Chola empire’s prince, Arunmozhi Varman who later became the esteemed emperor Rajaraja I, a significant figure in Tamil Nadu’s history.
Although the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was eventually released and went on to receive numerous accolades becoming one of the highest-grossing films.
