Mahesh Babu to play Rama in Madhu Mantena's 'Ramayana 3D'?
What's the story
Producer Madhu Mantena may finally have found his Lord Rama in the form of Telugu film star Mahesh Babu for his ambitious pan-India movie - Ramayana 3D, inspired from the eponymous Hindu religious epic.
The movie is being planned with Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan essaying the role of the antagonist - Ravana, while Deepika Padukone could be roped in to play Sita.
Here's more.
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Earlier, Prabhas was expected to play the lead
As per a report in Bollywood Hungama, Madhu was earlier planning to cast Prabhas for the lead role. However, as the project was taking too long to take off, he signed director Om Raut's Adipurush.
"Madhu got the biggest shock when Om announced Adipurush with Prabhas. He immediately got his team and financiers to bankroll his Ramayana 3D," a source has told the publication.
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Mahesh has liked the script, source says
The source added, "Madhu has offered the film to Mahesh Babu who also liked the script. Madhu feels he has the innocence to pull off Shri Ram's character. Mahesh Babu, on the other hand, has liked the script but is yet to give his nod to the project."
"Hrithik has come on board as the villain. Deepika remains Sita (sic)."
Information
'Ramayana 3D' to be directed by Nitesh Tiwari
It has been reported that Ramayana 3D will be directed by filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari, who has earlier helmed superhit movies such as Aamir Khan-starrer sports film Dangal and Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer comedy-drama Chhichhore.
Other projects
Other upcoming projects of Mahesh and Hrithik
Meanwhile, Mahesh was last seen in Sarileru Neekevvaru, which he also co-produced.
He will next be seen in Parasuram-directed action thriller Sarkaru Vaari Paata, which will be out in 2022.
He is also producing the biopic Major, based on the life of martyred Indian Army officer Sandeep Unnikrishnan.
Hrithik, on the other hand, will next star in Fighter, co-starring Deepika.