JOIN USMysore Palace in Maniratnam's next flick?
Noted filmmaker Maniratnam has created flutters among his fans following his recent visit to the Mysore Palace. His visit assumes significance in the backdrop of his next film Ponniyin Selvan, which has created waves much before the maverick director could start his work on his latest cinema. The excitement in Tamil film industry is palpable as the director is known for his creativity, elegant sets and unique locations his movie depicts and not to mention the casting in the film.
His fan followers in Mysore should be doubly excited for the ace director is eyeing on Mysore for his mega project. Ponniyin Selvan is based on a novel by writer Kalki and is set in a historical background.
The story revolves around Raja Raja Cholan of Chola dynasty, who ruled most part of South India during the 10 th and 11th century.
Maniratnam during his visit to Mysore in the first week of March is said to have explored historic places in the city, including Mysore Palace and some locations at Srirangapatna.
Sources said the movie will be one among the big budget films by Maniratnam. The film would be simultaneously released in Tamil and Telugu.
The star cast include famous names like Vijay, Vikram, Vishal, Arya and Sathyaraj in
Tamil and Mahesh Babu and Anushka in Telugu.
There is every possibility of the bilingual film to be shot in Mysore, which is an abode of places of archaeological and historical importance. Many scenes of director’s debut film, Pallavi Anupallavi in Kannada was also shot in Mysore.
The rich heritage and architectural edifices like Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, the Cheluvamba Vilas building are likely to make it to the sets of the film, which is being produced by Mani Rathnam’s home banner, Madras Talkies.
Talking to City Herald, Deputy Director of Palace Board, P V Awaradi said that he was not approached by either by film maker Maniratnam or y his associates seeking permission to shoot at Mysore Palace.
“I was not in the Palace when the director paid a visit here. I learnt it only from my subordinates and through media reports. The Board has no power to allow permission to shoot in the Palace even if the director asks for it. A committee headed by Chief Secretary of the State can only decide on it. Ultimately, it is the Government which has to give permission,” he said.
Films at Palace
According to sources, no film shoots have been allowed in the palace since past two decades after the Palace was transferred to the Board from the Archaeological department.
However, a few scenes for the mega serial, The Sword of Tipu Sultan were shot in the Palace following permission from the Department.
No palace official remembers if any film was shot in the past three decades, though there are few old films which depict the Mysore Palace in the background.
If Maniratnam is permitted to shoot in the Palace, he will be the first among the modern day film directors to throw open the palace in silver screen.