Star director Maniratnam for long dreamed of turning Kalki Krishnamurthy’s famous historical novel Ponniyan Selvan into a film on celluloid. Despite his repeated attempts, Mani failed in his efforts. Since no producer came forward to produce this film, sometime back he even tried to realise his dream under his own banner Madras Talkies.

However, the dream project did not take off as the financiers experienced fears and backed off from investing huge amounts at the last moment. The success of Rajamouli’s Baahubali gave him a fresh lease of life for Maniratnam to realise his dream on the Indian silver screen. It is known that Baahubali expanded the horizons for Indian films on the international arena. Right after Baahubali, the entire world is watching down south for an interesting project.

Inspired by the change of international perception, Maniratnam decided to revive his dream project. Earlier he planned to take the film with Super Star Mahesh Babu and if cast either Vijay, Ajith, Jayam Ravi and Vikram. Sources say Vikram is already finalised for the project and the project will take off with around 200-300crs. Vikram who is known for his versatile performances, of late is not having anyhits. He is also starring in another high profile project, Mahavir Karna.

The film’s shooting started recently and Ponniyan Selvan will go to sets once Mahavir Karna is completed. Kollywood filmmakers are wondering whether Maniratnam’s dream comes true at least this time.