Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who is gearing up for Mani Ratnam’s upcoming novel adaptation will reportedly be playing dual roles in the film. The film is said to be based on an epic novel written in Tamil, titled 'Ponniyin Selvan.'

Though the cast and crew hasn't been officially announced yet, Aishwarya, a while ago confirmed the project. She was known to be playing Nandini, the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, who will be played by Telugu star Mohan Babu. As reported by IndiaGlitz, the actress will also be playing Nandini's mute mother, Queen Mandakini Devi. Rai is said to be excited about the two roles and was the reason she chose to do the film.

As for the rest of the cast, fans are speculating that the rest of the cast includes Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Amitabh Bachchan, Anushka Shetty, Keerthy Suresh, Aishwarya Lekshmi and Amala Paul. Backed by Lyca Productions, the royal tale will go on floor next year. The pre-production work for 'Ponniyin Selvan' has already commenced as the makers are busy building huge sets to shoot crucial portions of the film.

One other actor who has confirmed his collaboration with Mani Ratnam is Vikram. During a press interaction for his film Kadaram Kondan’s release, Vikram revealed, “I am part of Mani sir’s next, and will be shooting for the project from early next year.” Post Aayutha Ezhuthu and Raavanan, this is Vikram's third film with the director.

The novel Ponniyin Selvan follows a Chola dynasty King Arulmozhivarman during the 10th and 11th centuries. Mani Ratnam had planned the live adaptation a decade ago with actors Vijay and Mahesh Babu but the project fell apart for unknown reasons.