Director Mani Ratnam seems to be fascinated with ancient Indian epic stories. Mani Ratnam's only film with Rajinikanth 'Thalapathi' was based on the Duriyodhana – Karna episode in Mahabharatha. The character of Shakuntala was very evident in the female lead of 'Roja' and now Mani Ratnam seems to be inspired with Ramanyana for his next project that'll have two versions – Hindi and Tamil.

For the Hindi version the characters based on Rama and Seetha will be played by real life couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. Vikram would play the character based on Ravana.

However, for the Tamil version Vikram would replace Abhishek Bachchan and would pair up with Aishwarya Rai. Prithiviraj would play the baddie in this version.

Plying two different characters at one go would be something of a 'terrific exercise' in acting and would probably do a world of good for Vikram who is already a National Award winning actor.

'I am thrilled to be part of this film and to work with Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. I know them very well and we are good friends' said Vikram. Incidentally Vikram was introduced to filmdom by Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited in 1990.