Mani Ratnam was recently in town for a reason. The director met up with top actors to start the casting for his next film. He has already finalised Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan for the lead pair and is in talks with other actors for the supporting cast.


Topmost on Mani’s list is Saawariya star Ranbir Kapoor. Apparently, when Ranbir heard the director was in town he was keen to meet him. Says an industrywalla, “Mani was quite impressed with Ranbir.

He’s watched Saawariya and liked his work. He has a role in the film that’s perfect for Ranbir. He hasn’t signed him on yet, but the chances of it happening are very real.”

Even though everything is hush-hush about the project, it is learnt that Mani was scheduled to start this particular film before Guru. “It’s a love story with strong characters. Even though Abhi-Ash have verbally agreed, they still have to sign on the dotted line. He wants to go on the floor as soon as his cast is in place, since the script is already ready.”

Mallika Sherawat who did an item song in Guru is also in talks with Mani for the project. “Mani likes to work with people he’s very comfortable with. He loved what Mallika did with the Maiyya Maiyya track and is considering working with her as well.”

The film is yet untitled but is scheduled to be dubbed in Tamil and have a release in the South as well.