Mani Ratnam is in hectic pre-production mode for his dream project 'Ponniyin Selvan' the cinematic adaptation Kalki's historical novel of the same name bankrolled by Lyca Productions. The multi-star cast includes Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Keerthy Suresh, Amala Paul, Jayaram, Parthiban, Sathyaraj and Amitabh Bachchan.

It is now learnt that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be playing dual roles in 'Ponniyin Selvan' and will appear as the famous Nandhini and her mute mother the queen Mandakini Devi. Shooting is expected to begin in November in locales in Chennai and Thailand and the male stars have already started preparations by growing long hair. More updates on this mega project as soon as we have them.