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What a casting coup! IF J.P. Dutta had thought he had made history by signing half of Bollywood for his patriotic saga, Line of Control (LoC), he has another one coming. Rajkumar Santoshi has not only beaten him to it, but is also upon creating another record of sorts — he is making the most expensive film in Indian film history. His Rs-1.15-billion Mahabharata boasts of Amitabh Bachchan (playing Bheeshma), Sanjay Dutt (as Duryodhan), Aishwarya Rai (Draupadi), Sunny Deol (Karna), Arjun Ramphal (Arjuna), Naseeruddin Shah (Dhritarashtra), Dushshasan (Salman Khan) and Amrish Puri (Dronacharya). According to unit members, discussions are currently on to sign Ajay Devgan as Lord Krishna and Sunil Shetty as Bheema. Vivek Oberoi has also reportedly been approached, though it is not clear what role he is being considered for. "Santoshi is talking to all the top actresses as well for this dream project," revealed a production hand. "He wants to make a period film, but without the grandeur of a costume drama. All those who have read the script are raving about the meticulous planning and his attention to detail." Preparations for the film had begun in mid-2001 with a portion of Ramoji Rao Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad being booked for the construction of sets. Costumes and jewellery, set props, horses for battle scenes and equipment for special effects are being sourced from all over the country. "The initial plans were to cast a whole bunch of newcomers for the film," said the unit member. "But when some senior actors like Bachchan and Sunny Deol showed interest, it was decided to mount a star-studded extravaganza. Sunny will now be working with Santoshi after more than a decade." Shooting for Mahabharata is scheduled to begin only in late 2004. By then, Santoshi is expected to be through with another star-studded film, Khaki, based on the working of the police force. It has Bachchan, Rai, Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna in the lead. (MF) |
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