The shooting of director Mani Rathnam's film 'Ashokavanam' in Tamil and 'Raavan' in Hindi was progressing at a rapid pace for two months in the dense forests of Kerala and adjoining places of Kolkata. Then after a small gap they planned to shoot again in Kerala. But unfortunately Mani Rathnam had a heart attack and he was admitted at a private nursing home. Since this was his third attack, the doctors took severe precautions and treated him intensively. So the shooting was postponed indefinitely.

Now Mani Rathnam has fully recovered and the shooting of this film is to commence 20th of this month. Vikram, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Priyamani and others are starring in this film. The call sheet given by Aishwarya Rai for one month got wasted because of the postponement of the shooting. But she was not worried about this and has also given extra days. She used to regularly phone Mani Rathnam and enquired about his health. Now Aishwarya will be coming to Kerala since the shooting is to commence. It is understood that Mani Rathnam will not be able to shoot the film extensively because of his ill health. Because of this the film will be delayed and hence all the actors who are starring in this movie have decided to co operate with Mani Rathnam by giving extra call sheet.

Mean while Mani Rathnam is ready with his next script. The film is titled ‘Rukmani’. The story is a whole some village subject. AR Rahman has already composed one song for this film.