Disha Patani. (File Photo) | The first look poster of ‘Sangamithra’. (Twitter@ThanandalFilms)
CHENNAI: Thenandal Studios Limited has confirmed signing actress Disha Patani, one of the lead heroines in Sushant Singh Rajput’s hit biopic drama ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’, to play the lead role in fantasy-epic ‘Sangamithra.’
Set in the 8th century AD, the Rs 400 crore movie, is a tale of the trials and tribulations of Sangamithra and her journey to save her kingdom.
Also starring top Tamil actors Arya and Jayam Ravi in pivotal roles, ‘Sangamithra’ will be directed by filmmaker Sundar C and is touted to be the next ‘Baahubali’, in terms of grandeur.
“We are delighted to have Disha Patani play the titular role. ‘Sangamithra’ is our dream project. It’s a larger-than- life period film with great technicians. Currently, the pre- production work on the film is going on in full swing. We expect to go on the floors from December,” Producer Hema Rukmani told PTI.
We introduce @DishPatani as our beautiful princess #Sangamitra. shoot to start soon @Hemarukmani1 @actor_jayamravi @arya_offl @aditi1231
— khushbusundar (@khushsundar) October 21, 2017
Though reports last month had stated that Disha was likely to be cast in the titular role, it is only now that confirmation about the same has come in.
“Disha Patani was finalized by the team almost a month back. Since the pre-production of the film, which includes extensive concept art designing and wide-ranging costume selection to match the eighth century backdrop, is consuming a lot of time, the makers have maintained a stoic silence about signing her,” sources close to the film told the media last month.
Thenandal Studios Limited, who were until now busy with the release of their 100th production, Vijay-starrer ‘Mersal’, is currently caught up in a huge political controversy with BJP leaders in the state demanding cuts on scenes from the film where GST, digital India and Hindu religion are allegedly criticised.
Disha took to Twitter to share her excitement about joining the project.
Really very excited for #Sangamitra Can’t wait to start shooting for this wonderful film… https://t.co/bUGDAbmeep
— Disha Patani (@DishPatani) October 21, 2017
Earlier this year, Shruti Haasan had walked out of the project after the film was announced at the 2017 Cannes, stating that she did not receive “a full bound script and a proper date calendar.” Producer Hema Rukmani later issued a statement and said, “Shruti Haasan didn’t opt out. We decided that we could not work together effectively.”
Shruti Haasan had underwent training in martial arts in London as part of the preparation to play the title role in ‘Sangamithra’. She had also promoted the film at the Cannes 2017 Film Festival, where the first look featuring Shruti as warrior queen was released to an encouraging response. Here is what her offical spokesperson said about why Shruti had chosen to drop out:
.@shrutihaasan on why she had to opt out of #Sangamithra pic.twitter.com/NTNyrKGMl8
— Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) May 29, 2017
Khusbhu Sundar had earlier confirmed that ‘Sangamithra’ will go on floors from December, 2017 after Sundar C completes work on ‘Kalakalappu 2’, a sequel to his super-hit comedy ‘Kalakalappu’. Starring Jai, Jiiva, Catherine Tresa and Nikki Galrani as leads, ‘Kalakalappu 2’ has music composed by Hiphop Tamizha.
All you need to know about ‘Sangamithra’
Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman will score the Sanghamitra music, while cinematography will be handled by National Award-winning Thirunavukarasu.
Anju Modi, who designed costumes for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Ramleela’ is the costume designer, Kamalakannan will be in charge of VFX and Oscar winner Resul Pooutty will do the sound design of Sanghamitra. National Award-winning Sabu Cyril is the producton designer.
(With PTI inputs)
Source: The New Indian Express